I'm not overjoyed or overly disappointed with the deadline moves or the lack of it. It is what it is and moving a big piece like Kesler should not be rushed and done in a day unless something irresistible comes up. A first rounder from elite teams like Pens or Ducks is not much different than a high second rounder anyway so it's not a very high return. Canucks will have a higher 1st rounder than those two teams the way things are going. With the cap going up next season, significantly, and draft orders determined, I'd have no problem at all with waiting until draft day to deal Kesler if that has to be done. Also don't forget Kesler has an NTC and for a deadline move, he will only waive for a legit contender. However, at the draft, more options should be available to MG as it becomes a clean slate for most teams.
For Lu, I'm happy with the trade both for the team and Lu personally. After 8 great years during which he's shown nothing but professionalism and respect for the fans and Vancity, it's only classy to move him to the only location he wants to go, HOME. We got a young goalie back with high potential and a solid 3rd line center that can bridge between now and the maturation of Bo, not a bad deal considering the alternative being compliance buyout at the end of the season. Goalie market isn't what it used to be. There will be plenty of good goalies in the market place if (fingers crossed) Lack/Markstrom tank.
What I am looking forward is to add scoring wingers in the offseason, getting completely healthy and injecting some youth as well. As for this season, I will continue to watch every game (since I paid for Gamecenter already ) and just have to lower the expectations.