If I'm CBJ, I'm looking to move those guys for more value than this, and if I'm Buffalo, I'd be hunting for difficult players to play against

True enough, but getting a RHD for a younger LHD prospect is a reasonable flip. And Gaudreau has100pt potential with a real 1C, which BUF has in Thompson or Cozens compared to Jenner or Sillinger.... and then beef up in another deal or UFA addition... thoughts?

- if CBJ is selling these guys, they'd sell them in separate transactions. It's exceedingly rare that two key players from one team goes to another team. It's one key player for one key prospect, and then one side or the other adds a little bit to square off value.

- If CBJ is selling Boqvist, I'm not sure Buffalo's the team that's buying.

- If I'm Buffalo, I'm hunting for RHDs, but I'm looking for someone with good speed and size, and uses his size to win puck battles on the boards and plays with an edge.

- CBJ probably isn't selling Gaudreau, but if they were in a hypothetical situation, sells aren't hockey trades. It's not going to be Skinner. It's going to be for a young talent and more assets to square the deal. It'll be a low price if Gaudreau pulls a Rick Nash and names off a single team, but it'll be a better price if he gives multiple options.

- Boqvist and Gaudreau being sold, CBJ's going shopping for the best price they can possibly get, which takes a while, and won't be a hockey trade like this one is.

Fair enough. I appreciate the logic train. I guess it depends on where CBJ sees itself going with a new GM TBD. And how Gaudreau sees himself with that direction. Most likely if he wants out, he can pick between east coast area teams that are contenders for playoff spots, but the cap might prevent most of them. I see PHI - who wasn't interested before and BUF as the most realistic options, unless someone makes a serious salary dump. Maybe if BUF dumps Skinner's contract to someone that it might work with a prospect/ pick package? Just trying to think outside the box

I draw a ring around NJ because he didn't want to play there, but he wanted to be close to there... just not there. If that logic rings true, Philly and the New Yorks are too close, though I know he entertained Philly. That ring would be Boston, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Nashville (I'm not sure he'd go to a western team), and Washington... maybe.

I will be waiting to see where he lands this summer!