The pick is going the wrong way in the MTL trade and it would have to be at least a 4th for MTL to even consider it

Sure

No way Tampa is giving up Tanner Jeannot for just a 3rd round pick.

He's been poor there even on the 4th line, and he's paid like a decent 3rd liner. They need the space pretty bad too.

Jeannot is not bringing what they hoped for. But TBL gave up an entire draft class for him basically, so this trade would be really bad for the Lightning.

I like the Heinen and DeMelo signings, but I don't like the contracts. DeMelo is high on my list, if he signs for significantly less, $3,5-4mn. I also like the fourth line, but I'd like them to be around 600k cheaper in total.

what you're describing is the sunk cost fallacy exactly. yeah they payed a lot but it has not worked out, and there's more to be gained by moving him that keeping him

My take is to give him one more chance, maybe a 1x1.2mn contract, and if it's not working out you can still move him at the TDL. That'd be a low risk, potentially high reward situation. If it works out the GM can still claim it as a win.

Generally I agree with your view. In this case I see the proposed way more beneficial over a 3rd.

You've made the defense even slower. Have we learned nothing from this playoff run?