Honestly really like this! I think the Pesce trade Carolina would definitely accept, just not sure what youre sending out for the retention from a 3rd party. Likely a 3rd or 4th? I like Stastny in the depth centre, I personally like Stepan a little better just cuz hes a righty, but still a good signing. Holden seems like a great replacement on the left, I would have liked him or edler to fill in for Broberg. I think the Bouch and Mcleod deals are a lot more reasonable than most on here. Only concern is next summer and the 2024-25 contract season, but that is more on Holland than you.

Carolina still have over 30 million in cap room next summer, so they could definitely find an extension, and that's just with a minor cap increase. A significant cap increase should make an extension easy. The issue isn't money for Pesce, it's term. He wants an 8 year deal and he's going to be 29 when it starts. Carolina hate committing money long term to players in their 30s.

Sabres decline

Sabres d-corps is full right now. If there's a clear upgrade available, adding a definitive top-4 (like Pesce,) then yes. Otherwise, noooooo thx.

WE DON;T NEED MORE D-MEN!

No to both. Ceci has way more value than that and Pesce very likely won't re-sign in Edmonton making that too much to give up for a rental who isn't as big an upgrade as you seem to think.