This man really signed Cody Ceci to a 2.25 mil contract.

Jersey passes easily. We are not winning in the two years before Johnny becomes a UFA. Why would we trade valuable assets for him when we are rebuilding?
If we want him we might just get him for free when we need him.
Gaudreau is worth more but I would really only give up NYI second and something like MCLeod and a defense prospect not named Smith or Bahl

That doesn't get you Patrik Laine, And reportedly Jacob Markstrom wants 5x6 or 6x6 he stays in Vancouver for that lowball offer. And FYI that doesn't get you Jack Eichel either.

Of course this is built to win....when you don't do realistic trades, any team could be built to win

Jets Decline, the difference between Laine and backlund is WAYYYYY more than a mid round second.

We're stuck with Lucic, as Melnyk would rather sleep in a bush of thorns.

Not even close for eichel.

and wayyyy too much for gaudreau

I will concede Eichel is low and I have revised trade to 2 1st round picks, a 23 yr top 4 D with 400 games, young top line C w/ 30 goal consistency.
On the flip side, the Gaudreau trade is under valued and I am not changing this one. They are one of 5 teams that he could sign with, but would need extra bump by having him play for 2 years to outbid Philly/NYR or maybe even Islanders or Washington when UFA. And he would immediately fill in where Hall was for good salary cap value to keep young offense progressing.
Reports are a few teams have already balked at offering much less then a top 6 C for Laine, so I could maybe play around with that a bit but we will see if he even moves. He should be worth more but I will just pull this trade out.
Ceci is a quality RD when utilized on a structured team. He should never be in a top 4 again or take on massive lifting for the D but as a 5/6 right shot there are much worse options.
For Lucic trade, gets a warm body to eat up cap space without actually paying a lot of real dollars and pick up an extra 1st rounder. I know Calgary doesn't believe in offering 1st rounders which is why this would never happen but if they ever offered this it would get taken in a heartbeat. If I was Ottawa, I may consider buying him out to reduce the actual dollars more while still keep cap floor at bay for a couple years.
I don't think anyone here has great knowledge to what players are going to sign for this year, for Markstrom. I heard over radio recent reports are Lehner is nearing $5 for 5 years w/ Vegas, so if that is this years market value based on flat cap then I wouldn't pay too much more for Markstrom. Don't think Vancouver would match similar either, and if in bidding war Cgy would have a little more cap room to play with. I bumped value and term but any more might as well go after Lehner who is better goalie.