The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Active Trade Market
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the busiest teams in the NHL’s trade market this season, making several significant moves to shape their roster. Recently, they traded Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks, adding depth and potential to their lineup. Earlier in the season, they sent Lars Eller to Washington, acquired Philip Tomasino from the Nashville Predators, and brought back Pierre-Olivier Joseph from the St. Louis Blues. These transactions reflect the Penguins’ ongoing efforts to remain competitive and build a well-rounded team. With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, General Manager Kyle Dubas is likely to have more moves in store, but he must tread carefully to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
Rickard Rakell: A Valuable Asset
One of the Penguins’ most valuable trade chips is Rickard Rakell, a 31-year-old right winger who has been playing exceptionally well alongside captain Sidney Crosby. Rakell is on a five-year contract that extends through the 2027-28 season, with an average annual value of $5 million. His performance this year, with 48 points in 56 games, has been noteworthy and could make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their offensive capabilities. According to Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News, the Penguins are in a strong position to capitalize on Rakell’s potential career year. However, Surmacz also cautions that if the Penguins are aiming to be competitive in the next two seasons, trading Rakell for future assets alone might not be the best strategy. Keeping him around for now might provide immediate benefits and maintain a cohesive forward line.
The Penguins’ Strategy with Rakell
Josh Yohe of The Athletic Pengreports that uinthe s are not in a rush to trade Rakell, even as the deadline looms. While they are open to listening to significant offers, such as a first-round pick and a young NHL-ready player, they have not explicitly told other clubs that Rakell is available. Instead, they have maintained a high asking price, signaling that any team interested in acquiring him will need to bring a compelling package to the table. Given Rakell’s contract length, Dubas has the luxury of waiting until the off-season if a suitable offer is not received by March 7. This could provide more cap space and higher willingness to spend among other teams, potentially leading to a better return for the Penguins.
The St. Louis Blues’ Potential Move
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues are also showing signs of potential activity in the trade market. Reports earlier this week suggested that Brayden Schenn, a 33-year-old center, could become available. Schenn is signed for three more years with an average annual value of $6.5 million, and he holds a full no-trade clause for the current season, which will revert to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. During a recent episode of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast," Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman highlighted that the Blues would set a high price for Schenn, but several teams are interested in acquiring him. Friedman specifically mentioned the Vegas Golden Knights as a potential destination, provided they can navigate the salary cap constraints and secure Schenn’s no-trade clause waiver.
The Golden Knights’ Cap Challenges
The Vegas Golden Knights currently have about $3.474 million in projected trade-deadline cap space, according to PuckPedia. To make a deal for Schenn, they will need to find ways to free up more cap room or convince the Blues to retain half of Schenn’s cap hit. However, the Golden Knights have a history of making bold and strategic moves, often pushing the boundaries of their salary cap to strengthen their team. Whether they can pull off the acquisition of Schenn will depend on their ability to creatively manage their cap and persuade Schenn to waive his no-trade clause. Despite these challenges, the possibility of the Golden Knights acquiring Schenn remains a realistic scenario given their track record and determination.
Staying Informed and Engaging
As the trade deadline approaches, it’s more important than ever for fans to stay informed about the latest developments and rumors in the NHL. Following The Hockey News on Google News and subscribing to their newsletter can provide timely updates and insights into potential trades and roster moves. Fans are also encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in discussions by commenting below articles on THN.com or visiting the forum. The trade deadline is a critical juncture for many teams, and the decisions made can have significant implications for the rest of the season and beyond. Whether it’s the Penguins leveraging Rickard Rakell’s value or the Blues considering a trade for Brayden Schenn, every move will be closely watched and analyzed by the hockey community.
