If CGY made these moves, and foolishly kept Monahan, then I think Backlund wins the 2C role as a better defensive C than Monahan, and CGY tries to get some scoring from a Tatar/Monahan/Kapanen third line.

My take: CGY is not as prepared for playoffs moving Lucic for Kapanen.

And only giving Dube 4th line minutes/role is not optimal. Hes got to be playing middle 6 minutes if he isn’t part of an Eichel deal.

No not in a million years that is a horrible trade

My thinking was that Monahan could be helped (potentailly dramatically so) by two proven play drivers that dont need sheltering while giving the Backlund line the 'shut down' role with throwing some offense in.

if Dube on your fourth line means depth, potentially enough to compete. Plus, injuries happen all the time and need people who can step into bigger roles.

LOL no argument here but I have seen worse happen in real life.
See: Fluery / Nedeljkovic trades

Hextall - "Hey, Burkie. Let's trade our 2nd best YOUNG right winger for a player who should have retired two years ago."
Burke - "Hex, he is truculent and you know I love that, I do, but I'd like to thank you for your time as GM of the Penguins and I wish you luck in your future endeavors."