On paper it looks great, problem becomes the cap. We would have to unload one of our bigger contracts or Winnipeg retains which I don't really see happening. I also think you are under paying Bennett and Kulak which adds to the problem a little. If the Flames could make this a realistic deal it would be a big boost at the deadline!

Do you honestly think that Wheeler is only worth that much? Guy was 11th in scoring last year, and you think the Flames could get him for a mediocre goalie prospect, a decent defense prospect and a 3rd line winger? Wow, by that logic can the Oilers acquire Gaudreau for Nick Ellis, Dillon Simpson and Jujhar Khaira?

@ LazarBeams - I know it's tight, but like I said in the description - assuming CGY in the playoff mix and WPG out, would be a great pickup for a playoff run. When I look at WPGs roster, and next years off season, some of their younger players will be looking for raises, and likely one of Little or Wheeler may be moved. When I look at what Ferland and Versteeg produced last year and what they signed for, I don't think Bennett is underpaid - he has yet to show his potential. Maybe a 2-year deal instead of 3. Kulak - same thing, only has 30 NHL games under his belt - can't see him making more than what I signed him for.

@KS42SL -
2017 - Marcus Johansson (26) traded for a 2nd and 3rd.
2017 - Panarin traded for Saad - just for cost certainty.
2016 - Taylor Hall (24 at time) trade for Larsson - a 23 yo with 2.5 NHL years and 37 points but a controllable contract.
2015 - Kessel (27 at time) and a 2nd traded for essentially Kapanen, a 1st and 3rd.
My point is for even a top 30 yo winger with 2 years left (1 year left if trade deadline deal as I suggested) on a team that will likely make some changes, the return I suggested isn't as illogical as you suggest.
You can argue maybe a mid round draft pick or another prospect should be added.
As for your Gaudreau comparison - Gaudreau (23 yo on a long term contract) is not an accurate comparable to 30 yo Wheeler on short deal. IMO Ellis>Rittich, Ferland>>Khaira, Kylington>>>>Simpson. WPG, depending on how Trouba gets handled may be looking for young controllable D prospects ready for NHL as soon as next year.

With Wpg not making the playoffs, I could see Treliving doing that trade only if there was a real collapse on the Right wing as Wheeler is a great talent but is past his apex and he is still licking his wounds with the Brouwer deal. Yes two totally different players but its all about age now.

@ RipperRob

Ok, I'll bite. I agree that my Gaudreau comparison is not as good is what you were suggesting Calgary trade for Wheeler, but that was on purpose to highlight my point. Yes, Gaudreau has more value that Wheeler, but Wheeler is still one of the top point producing forwards in the league. Scoring is the hardest thing to do in the NHL and teams don't give players that can score like that up for average packages.

As for the trades you proposed:
- Marcus Johansson: Way way way less valuable than Wheeler, not a very good comparison and Washington was in a cap crunch.
- Panarin: On-par production wise with Wheeler, more valuable given his age but will be looking for a monster contract in the next few years. And Saad is one hell of a player - a lot more valuable than the package you are offering for Wheeler. Also, Chicago needs the cost certainty more than Winnipeg.
- Taylor Hal: 99% of people would agree that this was horrible asset management, so not a good deal to use as a comparison. Also, young RH defensman were the most sought after players last summer and it was very obvious that Edmonton was dealing from a position of weakness (much like Calgary is with the need for a top line RW)
- Kessel: Attitude/compete ''issues'' lowered his trade value to be probably on par with what Wheeler's is right now. And that package is way more valuable and to comparable to what you are offering for Wheeler.

I guess the main point of all this is that your package for Wheeler was not enough to entice Winnipeg to move him. I would hazard a guess that teams like Carolina, Columbus, etc would easily top that offer in search of offence. Maybe if Ferland is having a great year riding shotgun with Johnny and Monahan his value goes up. But right now it's not very high, most teams have a player like Ferland that they are high on already. Rittich has basically 0 value, he is a dime-a-dozen in this league, and Winnipeg already has 2 young goalies, as well as Eric Comrie in the system. Kylington is a decent prospect, but projects as middle pairing at best. Winnipeg also has a lot of young D-men already, so why would they need Kylington?

With all this being said I'll update my Gaudreau proposal: Gaudreau for Nick Ellis, Jujhar Khaira, Ethan Bear and a 3rd. Do you even come close to biting on that? I wouldn't.