I would think adding a 5 time 30 goal scorer would help, yes

That would make things awfully tight for the Pens cap situation, and would make me wonder if moving Kessel out might be an actual option. Even still, the problem isn't so much this season as it would be for the future. The Canadians get a far better return if the team they are trying to deal with can get Max to sign an extension, because it is a guarantee on return. In your scenario, and it's hard to comment on value, since the Canadians are so desperate for centers, maybe they would do something this crazy, Max is basically a one-year rental.

i agree, the cap situation would probably be too tight. MTL could probably get more but it is rental for rental, both positions of need. Both could at least have exclusive negotiating rights for a year, to work out something of term.

If I was the Habs Gm and got offered this deal, I'd take it. With the situation the Habs are in cap-wise I'd probably offer to retain cash on Patches. Next year will be headache though for the Pens.

If it was Max and a pick for Brassard and Maatta that would work better. Montreal gets centre and left defence. Pittsburgh gets a multi year 30 goal scorer a pick and a bit more cap space to sign Max

This trade could cause issues at center, If we move Brassard I could see GMJR going after another center come trade deadline, as we saw last year, Centers dont come cheap at the trade deadline
How much faith can we have a for 41 year old 4th line center?

Why does moving a centre for a winger make any sense? I am not comfortable with Sheahan as 3C

Montreal is in no position to contend, and Brassard isn't a #1 center anyway. So I am not sure they care for a rental. I assume they want futures for Pacioretty.

The line of Guentzel-Sheahan-Kessel was very good in the limited games. I think it makes our line-up much more potent. Having Guentzel-Kessel or Patches on a 3rd line.