[SuperMatt18]

You weren't getting Hischier and Bratt for Tkachuk.

Bratt had 73 points in 76 games
Hischier had 60 in 70 games.

They were the Devils two leading scorers.

Maaaaybe you could get one of them, maybe. Not a chance you're getting both.

Much more likely would have been:

One of Bratt/Hischier
Ty Smith

I could actually see that potentially. And in that case the Flames should circle back now. Tkachuk is the better player but Hischier is a year younger, plays the premier position, and his 5 years at $7.25M remaining would make him a way more attractive asset from a cap and roster building perspective.

I could see why they wouldn't have done it at the draft though. At that point it pretty much means Hischier + Smith for Tkachuk plus the guarantee that you're losing Gaudreau only to see the two of them re-unite in New Jersey.

This place would have lost it if we traded Tkachuk to New Jersey and then Gaudreau signed there a week later. Treliving would have been crucified for setting up the reunion of those two and driving Johnny to New Jersey.