Okay, the bold makes more sense. I get that you can't list every player, I just didn't want to get too much hate for posting about someone not in the list. I actually never heard about him declining a deal to go to CBJ, but I don't follow these teams closely. CBJ also wasn't very good when Kesler went to ANA, so it is possible that he may have changed his mind by now, though the NMC makes it a lot harder. A player being overpaid isn't a huge issue, just add a little on your side to get some salary retention from them.
Their LW needs a bit of help, maybe something like Atkinson + for Kesler ( 20% ret). Depends how badly you value Atkinson, I have him in my fantasy league, he was really good last year but is currently slumping, and Torts isn't a coach you wanna slump for. I don't think Ana would retain a tonne of salary, because it's quite a bit of years left.
Durability is always a risk you take as players age, but the guy is a good shutdown 2nd line centre and insane at face-offs (though he hasn't taken FO with the new rules). He's still capable of putting up 50+ points, I think most teams would be willing to give up some stuff for a guy like him, especially with retention.
Atkinson is UFA correct, so there would likely have to be some deal in place already before a trade. Idk, they aren't my teams, so it's harder to speak value wise for me. Don't hate.