Suzuki w as s the key piece to the deal. He was a recent 1st rounder, but more than a lottery pick he was progressing well.
Take out Fleury and the 1st and put in a 2nd and one of our blue chip prospects and then you have a similar deal to the Pacioretty deal... we don't really have anyone similar to Suzuki in our system right now. Caufield before the start of this season would be similar. But now he's progressed to higher a level of prospect than Suzuki was at the time. Same with Romanov. Guhle's a great prospect, but a more stay at home D...
Yes, I think a contender could give up a 2nd and a blue chip prospect for Gaudreau.
Suzuki was a 13th overall pick, which is mid round, the lottery factor is irrelevant after the lottery happens.
His post draft year was fine, but not particularly a breakout season or pushing him into blue chip territory. Glass was still the considerably higher rated prospect.
I'd say Guhle is absolutely a similar, if not a bit more valuable asset at d+1 than Suzuki was.
Guhle + 2nd + cap included vet vs 1st + Fleury + vet? probably same ballpark value, though I'd much prefer keeping Guhle & giving up the 1st/Fleury.
Anyhow, it's all highly debatable & depends on variables/preferences we have no way of knowing.
Valimaki is actually the asset I'm more keen on getting. We can likely find an adequate alternative to a Gaudreau at far less cost, both asset-wise and cap-wise in the summer.... Hence why I really don't think his value, right now, is where you place it to be.
Granlund, Hoffman, Tatar, Hall, RNH, Palmieri, Pearson, Schwartz, Saad...et.
Plus the stars like Ovie & Landeskog...
Plus the contract players cash-strapped teams will be making available...
Flames will be hard-pressed getting fan value in a deal this summer.