The End of an Era for the Pittsburgh Penguins
The sun is setting on an incredible era of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey. For 16 consecutive seasons, the Penguins have made the playoffs, a testament to the enduring talent and leadership of players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Marc-Andre Fleury. This dynasty has been crowned with Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017, solidifying their place in NHL history. However, the team is now facing its third consecutive playoff absence, a stark reality that has forced them to reassess their future. The Penguins are reportedly preparing to become sellers by the trade deadline on March 7th, and one of the most likely candidates to be moved is veteran right winger Rickard Rakell.
Rickard Rakell: A Quiet Star
Rickard Rakell, a 31-year-old right shot scorer, has quietly put together one of the finest seasons of his career. In 60 games played, he has amassed 25 goals, 24 assists, and 49 points, putting him on pace for a 66-point season. This would be the second-highest point total of his career, a testament to his consistent performance and value to the team. Rakell’s versatility and scoring ability make him an attractive asset for any team looking to bolster their offense, and the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly among those interested.
Why a Trade to the Kings Makes Sense
The Los Angeles Kings are in the market for a scoring winger who can enhance their power play and overall offensive output. Rickard Rakell fits this profile perfectly. He has already recorded 5 goals and 12 points on the power play this season, which is just two shy of the team lead on the Kings. It’s worth noting that two seasons ago, Rakell registered 11 power play goals with the Penguins, demonstrating his consistent ability to produce with the man advantage. If Adrian Kempe permanently moves off Anze Kopitar’s wing, Rakell could seamlessly slide into Kempe’s spot, providing the Kings with scoring threats on each of their top three lines. Additionally, Rakell’s $5 million cap hit is manageable, especially considering the rising NHL salary cap, which means the Kings wouldn’t have to do much cap maneuvering to fit him in this season.
Potential Challenges
Despite the obvious benefits, there are some challenges to consider in a potential trade. Rakell has two more years left on his current deal after this season, which could complicate salary retention negotiations from the Pittsburgh side. The Penguins might be hesitant to take on a significant portion of his salary, especially if they are looking to rebuild and free up cap space. Moreover, it’s not entirely clear whether the Kings are seeking a player with term left on his contract or if they are strictly looking for a single-season mercenary. The bigger question, however, is whether Rakell can truly move the needle for the Kings. While he will certainly make the team deeper and more formidable, it remains to be seen if he is the type of player who can help the Kings overcome their first-round playoff struggles.
The Cost of Acquiring Rakell
The value of 2025 first-round picks has been a topic of much discussion around the league. Many believe that general managers will be more willing to part with these picks because the upcoming draft is perceived as relatively weak. Given Rakell’s performance and value, it’s a reasonable assumption that he will fetch a first-round pick from a team willing to make a move. However, the Kings face a unique challenge: they will be hosting the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. This is the league’s first decentralized draft, and it would be understandable if the Kings are reluctant to part with a first-round pick for this historic event. Therefore, the cost of acquiring Rakell could be a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected).
The Proposed Trade
To Los Angeles: Rickard Rakell
To Pittsburgh: 2025 3rd round pick, 2026 first round pick (top 10 protected)
This trade proposal balances the immediate need for offensive depth and power play production for the Kings with the long-term rebuilding goals of the Penguins. For the Kings, acquiring Rakell would provide a significant boost to their lineup, making them a more competitive team in the short term. For the Penguins, the 2025 third-round pick and the 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected) offer valuable assets for their future. The protected first-round pick in 2026 is particularly important, as it ensures the Penguins won’t be penalized if the draft turns out to be stronger than expected.
Final Thoughts
Is Rickard Rakell the type of player the Kings should be targeting? The answer depends on their immediate and long-term goals. Rakell’s scoring ability and power play production make him a valuable addition, but the question of whether he can help the Kings break through in the playoffs remains. For the Penguins, this trade would provide them with draft picks to build for the future, a crucial step in their rebuilding process. Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Kings are willing to part with their 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick (top 10 protected) for a player who could significantly impact their season. What do you think? Let me know below!
