I love that Gallagher trade .... ive done the same
- but do not like Phil trade

So 30 year old Staal coughing up the puck like a turnover machine, especially along the boards, while putting up 40 points at $6M, is better than Kessel at $6.8M? Not by a mile.

I am also not sure why everyone seems to want van Riemsdyk so badly. He is a #6. Is it just because everyone else puts him in so people follow the leader?

I would not accept Staal, van Riemsdyk and the 1st for Kessel alone.

All of these trades are terrible. The Habs might listen to your offer if it didn't include them sending back a second round pick. Gallagher is having a great season, so I doubt they have any interest in moving him. The Kessel trade makes the team way worse. While you're right that he's a bad defender, 90+ point seasons don't grow on trees. They would struggle to replace his production. And congrats on trading your #1 goalie for a rental winger. Brilliant move.

its not always about point production. Phil produced 90 points while over 40 of those points were on the PP. Put in the factor that yes you aren't scoring as many goals/points without Phil, but it is very likely you are stopping more goals without him as well. It's something that can certainly even itself out. Gallagher can shoot. He could easily play that position on the PP. And probably be a little more effective in reducing the short handed goals we consistently give up these days.

Everyone wants to preach how low Phil's value is. My guess is yes, you could probably get more out of Carolina for him, but this is definitely an option I would look at.

The hardest trade to sell here would be Montreal's in my opinion.