[Sylvanfan]

I think player values could go up a bit after the expansion draft happens. If you are dealing a guy with a year left on his deal, it becomes a player that the other team has to protect. Once that's over and done, less concern. I also think I may prefer to try and get first round picks in next years draft as opposed to this one, given how impacted this years class has been by Covid and not having a place to play. This may be an okay draft for some later picks as you may be able to find some later gems who didn't get to show themselves due to the current situation. The other factor is if the team getting a Giordano or Gaudreau has some bad injury luck, than the pick might move from 22-23 if traded for this years pick up to 15 or 16 type of thing, and even if it's lottery protected, and they miss the playoffs maybe even a top 12 type of thing.

Of course, you have to be willing to make a trade where the draft pick is the better value asset coming back. The Flames are more likely to trade Giordano for another Chris Butler or Cale Hulse, and with Gaudreau, probably take back a lesser 5 million dollar guy with 50 point upside, but to help them be mediocre for 3 more years.