Report: Penguins to Trade $30 Million Forward Before Deadline

As the Pittsburgh Penguins face a tough season, the future of the team and its players is under scrutiny. In particular, there has been speculation about the fate of veteran forward Rickard Rakell. Josh Yohe of The Athletic addressed these rumors on Wednesday, stating that a trade involving Rakell before the March 7 deadline is unlikely. Yohe emphasized that the notion of the Penguins undergoing a “fire sale” is misguided, particularly regarding Rakell. He noted that Penguins GM Kyle Dubas does not feel a strong urge to trade Rakell.

Rakell, 31, is in the third year of a six-year, $30 million contract with a $5 million annual cap hit and a no-trade clause that includes eight teams. While Rakell’s contract and term typically make him a less likely trade target at the deadline, the anticipated rise in the salary cap this offseason could make him more appealing to teams in the summer. Yohe pointed out that the salary cap is expected to increase significantly, which could lead teams to pursue players like Rakell during the offseason.

Yohe’s comments align with those of Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported that the Penguins have indicated a willingness to move forwards, defensemen, and goalies if it leads to acquiring young players, prospects, and draft picks. Despite Rakell’s strong performance this season—scoring 21 goals and 15 assists in 43 games—the Penguins remain on the outside of the playoff picture, tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

While Dubas may not actively pursue a trade involving Rakell, Yohe noted that the GM would still be open to listening if a team presents a compelling offer. “If a team made an outrageous offer for Rakell, then sure, Dubas would be more than willing to listen,” Yohe wrote. “That’s his job.”