Penguins Make Top Forward Available for Trade After Early Season Struggle

After a slow start to the year, the Pittsburgh Penguins are rumoured to be open to trading this top forward available for a potential trade.

Penguins Rumoured to Put Rakell on Trade Block After Slow Start to Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins are undoubtedly gearing up for another cup run. With new GM Kyle Dubas making a huge acquisition this offseason in Erik Karlsson, there is no question that the Penguins have an urgency mindset when it comes to winning their next Stanley Cup.

Now, it has been rumoured that they are looking to add a different style of player to their top group, potentially exchanging Rickard Rakell for someone with more of a net-front presence and grit. Rakell, who has started the year slowly, is a skilled player and would bring in a nice return for the Penguins, but is underutilized given the skill on the top end of the lineup.

Rakell Off To Slow Start to the Year and Has Yet To Score

Rakell is off to a very slow start to the season, having yet to score a goal in the 12 games he has played in. While he is definitely getting unlucky putting the puck in the back of the net, he has also only recorded 3 assists, which doesn't bode well either.


The Penguins could look to move him while he still has a decent trade value, given he is coming off a 28-goal and 60-point season last year and has recorded several 30+ goal seasons. The longer the slump continues, the worse of a return for Dubas and the Pens, which isn't what they need as they make a push for a near-term Cup run.

As seen on NHL Rumors - "NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and the Pittsburgh Penguins"