His last 4 years (statistically) have been the best 4 years of his career. He's taken some of the fighting out of his game that he had when he came in (because he's realized a bit of a different role), but by and large I think he's still the same player, just more polished offensively. I'm not saying the Lucic isn't overpaid for what he is (a 60-point power forward), but what he brings is such a rare breed in the NHL. He tends to disappear, but I think it is because there ARE ways of slowing his game down (especially with speedier teams) but he can bring that element where he can just take over games (See Game 7 against Toronto). You will never get equal value for him in return because whatever you get for him just won't be able to replace the unique skill set he has. And maybe its still a good skillset. But its probably something you can find elsewhere at a cheaper price. Just my 2 cents on that.
And to Dom, I understand where you are coming from with the NTC. 2 things: is there a team out there (fringing on the playoffs or competitive) that you could sell Kelly to that there would be value for him to go there? Or do you maybe try the Andy Ference route and say "Hey, there are a lot of young kids over there (in Calgary) that you could mentor and become a real leader of over there." Obviously it is a bit different, Ference was a UFA, but the point is kind of similar. Ference became a leader over in Edmonton, and he could easily do the same. I dunno, just food for thought.
