The best type of return you can get at the deadline is a value equal to what you're looking for but comprised entirely of picks vs a mix of assets.
This is where the Flames failed so hard for so long and a key component of why Feaster was canned. I started a
thread about a few years ago.
The Flames are finally on the positive end of trades consistently because they've been getting draft picks back instead of prospects or roster players.
When those picks are then at their highest value, the draft, you can cash them in for assets with lower perceived value at that point (rights to players, prospects, trade up for specific players...).
I hoppe basically no prospects come back unless they are absolute blue chippers. Give me picks and picks only.