The Pittsburgh Penguins have been fielding trade calls for wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell since the end of the 2024-25 season, sources told The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.
The Penguins aren’t eager to trade either player. Both have three years remaining on their current contracts.
League sources told Yohe they expect at least one of them to be dealt this summer.
Pittsburgh shopped Rakell at the deadline but didn’t receive a suitable offer. The 32-year-old Swede established career highs this past season with 35 goals and 70 points.
His production has been inconsistent year-to-year. Rakell has averaged 24 goals and 29 assists per 82 games across his 13-year career.
Rust held a no-movement clause until July 1. That means he’s a new entry into the trade market.
The 33-year-old also set career highs this past season with 31 goals and 65 points. A longtime linemate of Sidney Crosby, Rust has averaged 26 goals and 30 assists per 82 appearances in his 11-year career.
Rakell carries a $5-million cap hit. Rust’s is slightly higher at $5.125 million.
It’s unclear which teams have inquired about the two wingers. The Carolina Hurricanes expressed interest before signing free-agent winger Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year, $51-million contract Thursday, according to Yohe.
Trade Market Limitations
Crosby is the only Penguin completely off limits in a trade. Fellow franchise icons Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are unlikely to be moved due to no-trade clauses and declining play, Yohe added.
Pittsburgh was reportedly open to moving defenseman Erik Karlsson before the deadline. A trade for the three-time Norris Trophy winner never materialized.
The Penguins have missed the playoffs three years in a row. This follows a run of 16 straight postseason appearances.
