You traded UFA Chris Kunitz and a 4th line left winger for one of the best right wingers in the NHL?

The idea is that Wheeler isn't a part of their rebuild core moving forward. Doubtful, but if WPG wants to get value out of him for their rebuild they could gain cap space, a production replacement for a year in Kunitz (also leadership presence #toews), a strong bottom sixth depth forward for the future, and picks for the next couple years. Obviously WPG could do better, but hey ya never know it's the NHL. Hall got traded for Larsson.

If Wheeler isn't part of the rebuilt, why would Kunitz be part of one? Kunitz is going be a UFA next summer. Hey you're talking the Jets not Jim Benning.

Kunitz is a one year replacement to let the prospects develop into a true Wheeler replacement. Wheeler in 3 years is guaranteed to still be blocking one of them from progressing. Or worse, taking up money needed for a RFA. This is the Jets, a non-cap team.

Blake Wheeler is only 29, and likely going to be the next WPG captain. He's definitely part of their team going forward, which isn't really rebuilding as it is more retooling. He's not blocking any young players either really. Nik Ehlers can play LW and Patrik Laine can be on the second line with Little and Matty P