Report: Penguins taking calls on Rust, Rakell
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been fielding trade calls for wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell since the end of 2024-25 campaign, sources told The Athletic's Josh Yohe.
The Penguins reportedly aren't eager to trade either player since both have three years left on their current deals, but league sources told Yohe they expect at least one of them to be dealt this summer.
Pittsburgh reportedly shopped Rakell at the deadline but didn't get a suitable offer. The 32-year-old Swede is coming off a season in which he established career highs with 35 goals and 70 points. His year-to-year production has been up and down, but 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, meaning he's a new entry into the trade market. The 33-year-old also set career highs with 31 goals and 65 points this past season. A longtime running mate 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, while Rust's is slightly higher at $5.125 million.
It's unclear which teams have inquired about Rust and Rakell, though the Carolina Hurricanes expressed interest before signing free-agent winger Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year, $51-million contract Thursday, Yohe reports.
Crosby is the only Penguin completely off limits in a trade, though 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, but a trade for the three-time Norris Trophy winner never materialized.
The Penguins have missed the playoffs three years in a row following a run of 16 straight postseason appearances.