Letang isn’t getting that kind of return anymore...

I would be extremely surprised if Dougie Hamilton signed for less than AP27.

Not knocking Letang as a player; I just don't see Dallas as the right fit. Their defense is pretty set as is, & that's without Thomas Harley being in the lineup. Our right side is pretty shallow, but due to Heiskanen's ability to play on his off-hand side, it's not necessarily a NEED for Dallas at this point.

I don't see them trading a 1st & 2nd for a position they don't currently NEED, especially when they have to take into account the fact that they are significantly over the cap once Bishop & Seguin come back from injury. It also has ramifications on this offseason as well when Dallas is due to give Heiskanen his mega-deal. Given the flat cap & the fact that they are currently paying an overage penalty for last season, I just don't see the Stars as a fit to take on this kind of contract.

Overall, the value is probably fine from the Stars perspective. Just not the right time, IMO.

Hamilton resigns with Carolina for 8x8.25

Hamilton stays in Carolina for that lowball offer, Hamilton will probably get close to Pietrangelo money.

they aren't trading rust.
Letang probably gets something like that on a TD move. Be a late first.

The ED move, I don't know if that's the prospect they move. I'm thinking it's probably Legare. I don't know. At this point it seems more than a 2nd is needed. It depends how he plays. If he even looks decent it lowers the cost. But given the market on defense the question isn't if he can be moved but where and when.
I'd say 50/50 at this point he finishes a penguin. Because in 2 years if he's not gone, it won't matter.

Rust is the most likely forward to be traded if we continue to struggle.

They aren't trading rust for Jack. Those are just facts. You don't trade player who can play in the top 6 for bottom 6 forwards.
And who says they are struggling. They just beat the caps twice in a row. That's the second hardest team in the division.

But you trade Rust for a D then trade for Ros to replace him.