For Gaudreau AND Hamilton the ask starts at Patrick and Provorov from Calgary

Seems steep but Gaudreau was an 84 point player this season and Hamilton led the NHL in goal scoring from D. Both are still young players on good deals with significant term remaining

I hear you, I'm listening - I know the asking price for Gaudreau will be high. That's why this deal includes three NHL-caliber forwards, an NHL-caliber LHD, a first, and a second. And you're right - it may not be enough! But just look at Calgary's situation right now: they just failed to compete in an okay Pacific division because of their shitty depth, and they have a massive dearth of NHL-ready forwards and of early-round picks in the next few years. Moreover, they know that they're dealing from a position of strenght on the back end, with Kylington and Andersson nearly ready and a slew of skilled defenders already in the league. This trade allows them to divest their elite talent in a slew of different players, picks, and prospects so as to let them compete over the next few seasons instead of leaning constantly on Gaudreau and Monahan. I'm not saying that Calgary would definitely accept the trade I've designed, but a 2 for 2 swap doesn't do much to improve either club's situation and I don't think it's the only way a trade could get done.

Flames management have been vocal that Gaudreau and Hamilton were the furthest thing from the problem. I think you are misreading the situation. Trading the top-end doesn't make you deeper if you dont replace it too.