That may be the case, but you never know. The Faulk trade didn't happen until Late Sept. Granted, that was a prospect and a lesser NHL guy (Edmundson) coming back so an easier trade to make than trying to get an impact forward so you may be right.
I'm probably in the minority, but I don't see that as likely. Teams at the deadline rarely trade a key player like a Pesce or Skjei, particularly if they are playing well and getting ready for the playoffs. They look to ADD to the team at the deadline, not take two steps forward and 1 step back. I don't remember all the deadline deals, but has there been many deals like that, where a top team trades one of their really good players as part of the deal? (not a rhetorical question, I'm wondering if there are examples).
If the Canes are struggling or one of Pesce/Skjei struggles, then sure, I can see it. If the Canes are playing well and Pesce/Skjei are, playing well, then I don't see it.