[ricardodw]

This whole discussion is based on whether the Panthers and Flames and Oilers have different draft lists and rate the top 4 differently.

If Burke and/or Lowe has Ekblad >>>>>>> Bennett and/or Draisaitl and Tallon has them all about equal then there is a likely trade.

You don't win Stanley cups without a Doughty, Pronger, Niedermeyer, Boyle, Keith , Lidstrom, Gonchar, Chara ..... The Flames have great d-men for the #2 and 3 spots on a deep playoff roster.... how will they get a true #1 D-man?

From Florida's prospective if the top 4 are a toss up then it is a no lose situation to get Edmonton and Calgary to bid up to kick in an asset.

There is a limit to what sort of asset the Flames will be willing to give up...... NOT going to be Brodie and #4 but since Feaster left the Flames really deep in small skilled prospects (Baertschi, Granlund, Byron, Gaudreau) all fighting to replace Cammalleri and Hudler) the Flames have to be worried that over the next 2 years they will lose 1 or 2 of these guys for a 4th round pick .... like the Leafs lost Colbourne.

Right now Colbourne is really close to being an untouchable asset on the Flames ( a better first round pick than Baertschi) but they were able to pick him up for 4th round pick.

Backlund emerging as a legitimate player also took a roster spot away from the smurfs. Burke seemed ready to trade Backlund away likely for a more truculent player until Backlund stepped up his play.

Looking down the road is Baertschi worth a 1st round pick or a 4th round pick? If Baertschi spends any time next year in the AHL chances are he will be a lot closer to a 4th round pick.

If the Oilers hold tight and don't panic offering Yakapov then Baertschi might be enough to get the deal done.

Optionally would the Flames #4 this year and Baertschi be enough to get Seth Jones out of Nashville? Or Trouba out of Winnipeg? Not likely.