Gaudreau isn't signing that

he takes a discount to go to the metro division

Not that much. He is worth 10.5

alright 9.5 a year still a discount

out of all the teams in the metro why would he go to the islanders flyers would bid the highest on him

Flyers are no where close to being a contender also they have bigger issues on defense then offense. Gaudreau wants to just go to a team in the metro and at this stage of his career he wants to continue to compete for a Stanley cup.
PS: Flyers only have 5.8 million in capsapce with a need to replace Ryan Ellis production while he is out long term at the start of next year.

buffalo and the anaheim deal have some potential there

Maybe Buffalo does both.
Varlamov and Bailey for future considerations.
Bailey and Okposo were frequent line mates their last two years on the Island
While not a primary PK forward Bailey does have experience playing short handed.
Varlamov would be an upgrade in goal and could be good enough to make the Sabres competitive.
Together they would help Buffalo reach the cap floor while providing playoff experience.