We now know what it would take for the Penguins to trade Rickard Rakell

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell is building trade rumblings heading into the NHL Trade Deadline on account of a bounce-back season.

Dan Rosen reported that The Athletic's Josh Yohe wrote that the 31-year-old rebounded well, notching 25 goals and adding 23 assists in 56 games.

Rakell wasn't even on the radar for Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off roster this year, but his good performance and injuries to the roster left an opening for him to fit in.

Only last year, Rakell's contract was considered an albatross for Pittsburgh, but his $5 million cap hit now looks manageable even with three years left.

Yohe speculates the Penguins would trade him if they get a first-round pick and a close-to-NHL-ready prospect in return.

But they are not in a rush to trade him and might keep him if a good offer does not come their way that absolutely blows them away.

Rakell has played with Sidney Crosby this season, establishing strong chemistry with him and Bryan Rust. To trade him would be to lose Crosby's preferred winger for the second consecutive season, having lost Jake Guentzel last year.

Although a trade is still in the cards, Yohe feels Pittsburgh will hold on to Rakell and re-evaluate his worth come summer when the salary cap rises.

Although Rakell is a goal-scorer and quality asset, his leaving may speed up the rebuilding process if a decent trade is offered.