If by "work" you mean they finish 7-10th, if they do make playoffs they get bounced in the first round and continue to be epitome of mediocre for the next 3-5 years, then yes, this could work.

OTT very very quickly rejects

You do realize that Derek Ryan is an overpaid 33yo pending UFA?

Explain why a team at the depth of a rebuild would trade the 33OA pick in a deep draft to add a player who would be 4C on one of the worst teams in the league

Pavel Zacha is quite overrated and the Devils would be quite happy to move him. I really don't like this deal for the Flames.

Could be a third or later. Honestly doesnt really matter. I also think you are underestimated derek ryan. He is a very capable two way center and has put up 29(in 67 gp)-38-38-29(in 68 gp) with his time in the nhl. They would do this because he is a very solid two way depth center that bumps them closer to the cap and has only one year left.

I think this team is an upgrade from 19-20 season, allowing us to retool with a high draft pick in a deep draft and giving us a young high quality goalie. While still being realistically attainable. This is also with the assumption that gaudreau is wanting to walk in 2 years.

yea I don't think its full value as stated in the description. The only reason this is worth it is the cap savings and that the pick is so high. If NJ has another young player/prospect that is a little higher end I would take that

No chance Hall signs with a team that just traded their best player for futures.

Also hit the "quote" button when reply8ng to people

Gaudreau is arguably our best player but one could make a case for tkachuk as well. I do see what you are saying. If what you say is true then we will not sign hall. Keeping gaudreau and signing Hall would completely screw our cap structure.