The Penguins are a team that is in the midst of a shift of identity. Once an NHL powerhouse that made the playoffs with regularity and won Stanley Cups; the inevitable rebuild has finally arrived in Pittsburgh. From this point forward it appears no player’s position in Pittsburgh is safe unless you are Crosby and Malkin.
The two biggest names on the Penguins trade block are Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. Both have contracts that do not expire until 2028. Both are also veteran forwards approaching the back prime of their careers that would make sense for a retooling team such as the Pens to move in order to bring in some futures assets.
Rakell potted home 35 goals and 35 assists for 70 points in 81 games, while Rust touted 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points in 71 games last season. Both are solid top 6 options for contending squads who are looking to bolster their playoff aspirations.
The question at hand is what kind of return the Pens are looking for in exchange for these players. According to Josh Yohe on “The Athletic Hockey Show,” Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is looking for young NHL ready talent in a potential Rakell-Rust deal.
The fact that the Pens are circling in on youth pieces that can be inserted into their NHL lineup right away shows they wish to ice a younger lineup this season. Also, the fact they are not looking for draft assets and prospects in the system also suggests they hope to fast track this rebuild while they still have Crosby and Malkin in the fold.
The Pens have $13 million in cap space to utilize, we’ll see what moves happen between now and the start of the season from this front as this team does not appear done making deals.
