Quoting: Codyymd16
But, if toronto is in that win know period, who would be of more value? and also tanev would be worth a toronto 1st for sure, not brown as well, but just the first straight up cause itll be 20-30th overall anyways
Toronto is in a win every year for the next 8 years mode. Their 3 best players will all be locked in for 8 years by next season. (7 in the case of Nylander, I really hope they don't bridge deal him, cause that is the worst. ) While Matthews, Nylander and Marner are on 8 year deals, the core is set, what they need to do is constantly draft well to replenish the support players.
Let's say Johnsson scores 25 goals this year and the same next year. He's likely going to be on a 2 year show me what you got deal, since he is RFA currently. After those two decent seasons, he'll want over 5 million on a long term deal. If I was in charge I'd trade him for big assets from a team needing offence and draft a replacement. That's how you always win in the cap era. Lock up your core through their 20's and draft talent to fill holes when people price themselves off your team. Kapanen becomes the next JVR and then we trade him for a big return and plug the next guy up into his position.
Pittsburgh operates like this, Neal scores a tonne of goals and they trade him. Kessel score 92 points and they are talking about trading him, he'll bring an NHL ready prospect and likely a 1st round pick from someone else and Pittsburgh will replace him and still be awesome and have more assets coming down the line. Constant contention.
The other option is the Chicago way, under pay your young core and overpay roll players. Use draft picks to obtain reinforcements and then in 7 years, you may have won the cup a couple times but you have no prospects coming and your core is old and declining.