As mentioned, this is my opinion, based on the rumours and speculation out there. Kesler is a first line center (USA 1st line center), recent selke winner, top 2-way forward. They rarely make it to the open market. As mentioned, if someone wants him, they will have to overpay. The speculated offer by Pits was Sutter & Pouliot, and we don't know what else. Pouliot being one of their top 2 prospects. Therefore I counter with what i want.
If they don't match, i trade Kesler to their competition.
How would Pits like it if they had to face him on the playoffs playing for Phili, Detroit, Boston, NYR, Montreal, etc. simply put; overpay with prospect and get the chance to win the cup, or face:
Phili: Kesler, Lecavalier, Scheen/Couturier
Boston: Krejci, Bergeron, Kesler
Detroit: Datsyuk, Kesler
NYR: Richards, Kesler, Brassard/Stephan
Do you understand now how my opinion was formed and why if they want him, they will overpay and that package is realistic.
Same thing goes for Elder, If Phili doesn't want to pay that package, we trade Edler to Ottawa, or someone else fighting for the 8th position. Please keep in mind that despite the opinion of many fans, Edler is a top 2 dman. He was on the top pairing with Karlson for Sweden. We are in no hurry to trade him either. The package i proposed is mainly for B.Schenn and Laughton. I don't see L.Scheen as anything special.
Why do i think Phili would overpay?
Streit is 36 with a 5.25 mill. cap hit.
Timonen is 38 and a UFA. cap hit 6 mill.
Pronger - no comment
Coburn is top 4 dman with a 4.5 mil cap hit.
Meszaros is not worth the 4 mill cap hit.
and you're left with Grossman, Gustafsson, and L. Schenn.
Only Gustafsson and L. Schenn are younger than Edler.
The need an Edler type dmen for this year, and the next few years to be their top 2 dman.