We’ve got another edition of NHL rumours. We’re just over a month away from the March 7 trade deadline. General managers have already gotten started in making some big deals. However, we could see more in the offing as we draw closer to the big day. We’re getting a sense to see what teams may be sellers when the deadline happens. One team that could be in a position of spinning players into assets is the Pittsburgh Penguins. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one particular player that could draw some interest.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pittsburgh Penguins Forward Could Get Trade Interest
Rumour: Josh Yohe of The Athletic put out his most-recent Penguins trade tier list. One name that could get some run is forward Rickard Rakell.
Analysis: It’s no secret that the Penguins are sinking fast out of Stanley Cup Playoff contention once again. This means that Pittsburgh General Manger Kyle Dubas will have to probably trade off some assets in order to hasten a retooling.
Rakell has racked up 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 53 games this season. The Swede has thrived riding shotgun on a line with Sidney Crosby. He’s been one of the bright spots on a Penguins team that’s been scuffling for most of the season.
One would think Dubas would want to hang onto the soon-to-be 32-year-old. However, Rakell will probably get plenty of interest from teams that are seeking depth for a Stanley Cup push.
Yohe mentions that the Penguins will need players in order to have some of talent on the rebuild. He’s been a quality player that’s netted 30-plus goals a couple of times in his career with the Anaheim Ducks. Rakell also a shot of reaching the mark for the first time since the 2017-18 season when he netted a career-high 34 goals.
What it Meansfda
Rakell’s contract is starting look like an absolute steal with him getting $5 million until the 2027-28 season. The increasing salary cap could make the deal look like an even bigger bargain if he continues his strong play.
He’s also a desired piece because he can play on either the left or the right wing. Players like that can be slotted into multiple places in the lineup. A number of general managers around the league are probably at least looking at some way of getting Rakell at the deadline.
However, trading Rakell would mean the second straight season a player sharing a line with Crosby would be dealt. Pittsburgh’s captain voiced his displeasure last season when Jake Guentzel was shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s probably likely that Crosby would have the same reaction if Rakell was dealt at the deadline.
However, Dubas has to do what’s best for his team. A big-time offer for the Sundbyberg, Sweden could be too tempting to ignore. Dubas is probably going to set the bar high for any hypothetical deal for Rakell. However, a team may just be crazy enough to meet the asking price.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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