Looking just at that Parayko trade, I have a feeling this would work immediately
RNH + 2018 10th overall pick for Parayko+2018 second rounder
However, don't trade RNH as he is the solution to being McDavid's winger

It would cost Leon Draisaitl for Colton Parayko, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn't even in the same league.

Fair on most of the trades. Parayko for Nuge is ideal. I wouldnt trade Maksimov and 10th for Skinner, 10th at this draft could land you bovquist, and Maksimov is sounding like a late round gem, and is a UFA after this season.

You make a great point that Nuge needs to be traded for RHD. Canes and Blues make a lot of sense with needs. If Nuge has to be kept to help Connor McDavid, McDavid should not be making 12.5 mil a year. If I was to pay a guy 12.5 mil a year, I would expect him to make the players around him better.
What would be added around a Nuge for Faulk deal? On either side?

Nuge hasn't even reached his prime yet. A first overall pick C is on par with a top 4 RD no doubt.

Just like all of your other top picks have panned out to be top players.

He may still look 14 but Nuge is 25 years old - he's had seasons where he's played 20+ min per night and put up (a respectable) 56 pts. I don't think there's some sort of untapped potential in the guy. He's a great utility forward, can play a great 2-way game and can slot in at wing or center. Boiling things down to these cliches of 'first overall pick' and 'top 4 RD' is just a cop-out, it doesn't explain anything related to their trade value. Blues won't trade Parayko for Nuge. Really, the way Nuge was playing with McDavid, neither team would be interested.

Hypothetically a Top 6 forward of Nuges caliber is worth a player of Paraykos caliber, both positions are extremely valuable. That beimg said, Nuge has been banged up, he's just entered his athletic prime and is a 70pt C when healthy. But yeah you're right doesn't make sense for either team at this point. And I'd rather trade Draisatl for Petriangelo anyhow.