Quoting: Eli
Backstrom's the #1 C off the team that won the toughest division the last three years. Holtby's a #1 goalie off same. Both should have some value. When BIshop was traded, he had 16 wins through the trade deadline. Holtby had 34 this year. Carolina beat that by two this year. Obviously wins are a team effort, but having a goalie with the patience, endurance, and confidenceto stay calm through adversity is valuable.
Justin Faulk plays 22 minutes, but with 58% offensive zone starts this year, for like 30 points. He's not a top fifty defenseman. People are trading for him like he is, or like he's still 22 with unlimited growth potential like he was the time he broke 40 points. Now he's 26 with an impressive 200 career points and a less impressive -100 career rating, including -26 this year. People are trading for him all over this page this year because he's suddenly looking like a bargain, and can probably do better in a 20 minute role--not because he's an all star or a Norris candidate.
You're right that a lot of teams want centers, but I think most teams want recent multiple Vezina trophy winning goalies, too. I think most teams want the guy with the best active playoff save percentage, who's tied with Brodeur for the most wins in a single season. Your argument about Bishop getting old and injured in a season when Vasilevsy played and won twice as many games as him, with an expansion draft coming up? You delivered it very well, for what it is.
Most teams want a number 1 center. That's why a high end center usually requires getting a number 1 defenseman or a team's best prospect plus picks.
The goalie market is not that high. Faulk is a top 4 defenseman on just about any team. The fact he's been able to put up the points he has is impressive considering the weak offensive teams he's been on. Yeah, he's not the greatest, but he can produce lots of offense from the back end which is one of the most sought after commodities right now. Also, Faulk is only 26. Defenseman don't usually hit their prime until about 28 to 32 years of age. History shows he'll get better.
Hotlby is a good goalie. Probably a great one, but there aren't a lot of teams seeking a goalie. Islanders, Blues possibly, most teams are happy with their goaltending situation though. Carolina probably wants one, but would require Darling going the other way. Faulk won't be part of that negotiation and if he is, no first will go to Washington. If Holtby brings in any first rounder, it's going to be a late first at max with a prospect, not a top 4 defenseman. Yes I know Holtby has a vezina to his name, but when you're replaced as the starter and the back up carries the team the last month or so, the value will take a small hit. Holtby's value should be higher, but unfortunately he's only worth what teams are willing to pay for him. Which nowadays isn't that much.