Ultimately, if Brodin retired in a Wild sweater I would be the happiest fan there is. But I understand that in this business, it may not be best to force that into fruition given the state of the franchise and the potential return.
He is one of the best defensive defensemen in the league and assuming he stays healthy this year, he will have played well over 600 NHL games before he turns 27. He can play both sides defensively at an elite level and is now showing the ability to chip in a little offense, 20 points so far (19 of which are even strength or shorthanded) and on pace for 32 points this season with only a few games of regular PP time on the 2nd unit (like 4 games.) He is an immediate upgrade on the PK for nearly every team in the NHL. Basically, he is an all around stud and labeling him as a 'good 3d' is a slap in the face. If he is a 3d, he is an elite one.
A late 1st and meh prospect does not move the needle for us given his longevity left in the league and if history is any indication, he is still has "prime" years left. There are pieces out there I would move him for but a late first isn't one of them unless the prospect coming with it is viewed as sure fire. Top 6 C, top 10 pick are starting points if you don't have any earlier first.