We now know what it would take for the Penguins to trade Rickard Rakell
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Hockey Now
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.
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.
A trade offer for Rakell would have to blow the Penguins away
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.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
POLL |
FEVRIER 11 | 245 ANSWERS We now know what it would take for the Penguins to trade Rickard Rakell Will Rickard Rakell finish the season with the Penguins? |
Yes | 133 | 54.3 % |
No | 112 | 45.7 % |
List of polls |