Quoting: mazzucap
You tell me what a fair offer for someone of Lindholms caliber. A top 2 line Center is a premium in the NHL just look what the Jets are getting for PLD. And looking at the Jackets recent defensive moves it’s looking like they are going into win mode. No these trades like this ever happen. But the value isn’t far off .
He's arguably the 30th-40th best center in the league, a UFA after this year, 28, and importantly doesn't want to sign with Calgary (which sucks, we know that feeling all too well, but it doesn't help his trade value). PLD is younger (and bigger, which doesn't actually mean much), and he hasn't been traded yet so we don't know what the market is. He's a decent comparison to Lindholm, but PLD wouldn't net you 3rd OA in this year's draft either.
The organization is looking at 3rd OA as the key to a true star #1 center with term, so unless we're getting that back we're not moving it. Lindholm is a good 1B, decent 1A option without term, and even if he's signed to an extension and playing with Johnny Gaudreau, he's an unknown quantity in another system.
A 1st round pick in 2024, likely top-10 protected, would be closer to fair value if he comes with an extension. Something like Boqvist and Sillinger could be an option if you want prospects. 3 OA can both be close to fair value and completely off the table at the same time.