That is my thought. JR is known to overpay when he wants a particular player. Reaves as an example, but that has been his reputation for years. Sakic must be trying for a ridiculous return that not even JR will pay the price.
JR usually does get his man and you are right he is willing to overpay for it if he has to. I don't see that as a problem if it is the perfect fit to help the team. For example everyone criticized the Hall deal and said the Oilers got robbed but they ended up having a great season and improved big time as a team. Sometimes the fit on your team is worth more then the players value on other teams. Another example of this was Neal for Hornqvist. Hornqvist was exactly what the Pens needed and made us a better team because we needed a forward that was good in front of the net. Sometimes he guessed wrong like when JR gave up too much for Staal with Sutter, Dumoulin, and the 8th overall pick which at the time I was pumped because I thought we would choose Forsberg. JR thought Staal was going to increase his point production when given an opportunity not being behind Crosby and Malkin but he was wrong. I can see why he thought that and how that would also make his best player happy, Eric Staal.
The prices must be high because when JR wants something he usually gets it. He usually tries to get the best fit for the need. The 4 recent examples that come to mind (1. Need net front presence: get Hornqvist who was known as one of the top 3 in the game, 2. Need to replace Neal's shot on Geno's wing: get Kessel who was known as one of the best shots in the game, 3. Need to find players to play your new coaches fast forechecking system: get Hagelin who is known as one of the fastest and best forecheckers in the game, 4. Need a tough, physical, intimidating presence that can play a regular shift: gets Reaves who might be the best in the game to provide that.
I think JR wants to do the same for 3C and wants someone that could provide 2016 HBK line production. I believe he is looking at a Duchene type player.