Despite the discrepancy, Galchenyuk could give the Penguins some flexibility. Kessel played the vast majority of his time at right wing, primarily on the second or third line, but Galchenyuk welcomes either side.
"You look at the roster of the Pittsburgh Penguins, it's no surprise that anywhere you play, it's going to be really exciting," Galchenyuk said. "Playing wing from right or left, I don't think that would be that big of a difference. ... You look at the centers that this team has (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin), top centers in the League, no doubt.
"Whether it's the right or the left side, I'm sure I'll definitely adapt pretty well."
Crosby reached out to Galchenyuk shortly after the trade became official. Galchenyuk called the text message "a big moment" for him, but the chance to play on a line with Crosby or Malkin has him excited.
"Playing with great players, it's just an unbelievable opportunity for me," Galchenyuk said. "I put pressure on myself to perform my best."
Meshing with Crosby or Makin, or providing depth on the third line, could help Galchenyuk eclipse his 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 72 games with the Coyotes last season. That was his lowest output since 2013-14, when he had 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 65 games during his second NHL season with the Canadiens.
Galchenyuk is aiming to prove he can be a dynamic offensive player again in Pittsburgh.
"It's something I'm really looking forward to," Galchenyuk said. "Using my shot and being as explosive as I need to be."
That's what convinced the Canadiens to take Galchenyuk with the No. 3 pick in the 2012 draft, held at Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena. Seven seasons later, Galchenyuk feels like his NHL career has come full circle.
"It's surreal. You can't really explain all of the emotions that I had," Galchenyuk said. "I remember it being a great sports city that's one of the best in the country and how great the fans are. Even from the draft experience, I remember how passionate the fans are.
"It's a beautiful city with hard-working people. It suits me really well."