Kessel

Signing Kessel just takes cash and cap space from other more important positional needs. Not to mention ice time from players who earned it, Kessel hasn't earned one minute of ice tome with the Canucks.
Don't mind the the trades though it seems a bit of an overpay for Walker.

I'd still prefer the potential of Kastelic as a really good 4th line centre than Friedman who's kinda just a guaranteed 7th defenceman. more RHD who probably shouldn't be in an NHL starting lineup isn't really helping the Sens, they've already got 2 of those in their lineup

Aside from veteran leadership in the dressing room, it shows to the players that their positions are not secure. They need to keep playing well to stay in the lineup.

Also.. injuries

All true, I do think Kessel does take away from the other players’ ice time. It sends a message too, I mean worst case scenario, Kessel will be in Abby for the rest of the season and then they could call him up for a few games. As for the trade, the AGMs on CapFriendly can be ruthless, I have to do something to appease them (; But yeah, Sean Walker is a guy I feel the Canucks will target and try to pry him away from Philly, who’s been really good this season. This also goes for teams like Edmonton and Toronto who all want a piece of the pie.

Philly doesn't want a couple of Russian players.