Early December is not the same as TDL. Values of players - esp those on expiring contracts - are massively inflated by the pressure of "going for it". Teams aren't subject to that right now.
Also you have to differentiate between a non-roster asset like a draft pick and an actual roster player. At the TDL teams are looking to add "now" and pay "later", which is why Vrbata could probably fetch a first from a strong team looking to add a goal scoring boost. But that is quite different from making a player-for-player trade, where the deal is made more rationally on the merits of the playing being added vs the player being dealt.
Based on his play to date - including a whopping 6 goals - what kind of "quality" do you think Vrbata would bring back? Vrbata himself is playing like a borderline 3rd liner and is a UFA in 6 months. I'd be surprised if he could bring back any sort of roster player TBH.
