Probably around a 2nd round pick.

Anything more and the team paying is just being outright dumb. If he's not signing in Brooklyn before July 1st, he's probably not signing anywhere before July 1st. Just prepare a better pitch for July 1st and he could be yours. I'm certain he wants to see what kind of offers are out there before making a decision. He's probably going to extend once the season is over though. He made it pretty clear before the start of this season that he wasn't going to be distracted by contract stuffs until his season was done.

Fair enough, I only ask because if a team could have the negotiation rights would they net be able to sign him to 8 years then as opposed to the 7 if he hits free agency?

No. Only the NYI may give him 8 years but even they have to do it before July 1. Otherwise he may only be signed 7.

Perfect, thank you very much

I mean, if he says he's walking anything would be nice. I'd like to try and sneak out a 1st or a 2nd + prospects if there truly are a couple teams John would sign with. (Just using an example: SJS and NSH) - since they're both in the west it would be logical for them to get into a bidding war for his rights. Wouldn't want someone else in the conference getting exponentially better. Keeping John away from a rival, a top 5 center in the league, is just as important as acquiring him

Any team that has his rights prior to July 1 can offer him 8 years. If the Flames did trade for his rights prior they could sign him to an 8 year deal. Look it up.

Wrong. The team that has his rights as of the trade deadline can sign him 8 years. After the trade deadline any team that acquires his rights can only sign him max 7 years. Hence the reason for sign and trade. Because that is the only other option to get 8 year term.