Trade an elite, unique, 'puts bums in seats' type player in his prime for a player who probably isn't in his prime. Does not compute.
Where did I say I want to trade him for a player who isn't in his prime? You are probably getting a good 3rd line forward (maybe 2nd), a prospect, and a pick. Either way we need the depth on forward more than a D-man right now.
Unfortunately we also need roster players more than we need prospects right now. But you can always package up prospects in a trade.
But if Buff's camp is standing pat on wanting a 6 - 7 year deal, than the Jets have a choice to make:
A - Sign him to that deal and likely regret it for the last 3 - 4 years as an ageing Buff deteriorates fast.
B - Trade him
C - Keep him next year and lose him in free agency
Given those options, I would be fine with either B or C. I would absolutely hate it if we gave Buff, a 260+ pound man with a history of not being in the best of shape and working out, a deal that would take him to 36+ years of age making 7+ million dollars (probably higher), regardless of how unique he is or how many bums he puts into a guaranteed sold out arena.