There's maybe something to the EDM deal in terms of value but EDM couldn't take on all that money.

ANA would definitely say no. GM talked about how they need to get younger. They'd be replacing arguably their best player with an old grinding winger.

Pens can get more for Kessel and ducks say no

Pens say no to edm, ana says no to pens

While I can see the problems with the Anaheim deal specifically, these are more just a framework of the types of deals that the Pens need to make happen to free up cap room. I'm ok with the Pens getting "less than value" as it is a means to an end to get out of big trouble before big trouble comes along. (And as long as "less than value" isn't a fleecing)