3 Deadline Candidates for the Pittsburgh Penguins this Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins are digging themselves into a deeper hole game after game. Even with franchise pieces Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin playing out of their minds, the team can’t find a way out of the league’s basement. With a record of 20-23-8, the chances of bringing the cup home to Pittsburgh once again are diminishing. If Kyle Dubas wants to win with their top players, trades must be made. Even though it may be hard to trade some of these players, here are the three frontrunners.

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Penguins Reportedly Willing to Trade Karlsson Despite Massive Contract

Erik Karlsson, 34, was acquired by the Penguins in a blockbuster deal with the San Jose Sharks two seasons ago. Since his arrival in the Steel City, the former Norris Trophy winner has tallied 88 points (15 goals and 73 assists) in 133 games. While it is nothing like the 101-point-season he recorded the year prior to his first season in Pittsburgh, Karlsson has still been an important player to a playoff-desperate Penguins team.

Karlsson carries a massive $11.5 million annual cap hit for the next two seasons. There have been reports that the Penguins are willing to make amends to his contract in order to acquire “the right piece.” If Dubas can move on from Karlsson, the extra cap space will open up opportunities to acquire younger players to upgrade the team. Trading Karlsson also puts less stress on promising rookie defenseman Owen Pickering, who was recently sent down to the AHL.

Pettersson In Demand Across the League; Pittsburgh Must Listen

Marcus Pettersson, 28, is currently Pittsburgh’s number-one left defenseman. At a height of 6’4”, Pettersson towers over his opposition and is lethal on any penalty-killing unit. His size has allowed him to be the team’s number-one shot blocker, blocking 79 shots so far this season. With an average of 22:03 minutes on the ice per game, Pettersson is a presence and is seen as a physical threat by the opposition.

Pettersson also benefits from being one of the only players with an expiring deal. He is getting paid $4.03 million this season and will enter free agency this offseason. With the league in demand for younger, talented defensemen, the Penguins must capitalize on this opportunity. They could easily get many assets including prospects and younger NHL talent.

Rakell Can Be Very Profitable for the Penguins Asset-Wise

Rickard Rakell, 31, is in the prime of his career. The former Anaheim Duck is on pace to tie his personal record in points with 69. He currently has 42 points and leads the Penguins in goals with 23 on the year. Playing alongside Sid the Kid, Rakell has been given ample opportunity to grow as a player. While Rakell has advanced his overall abilities, the team has not, and it may be time to benefit Rakell once again and find him a new home.

Rakell is in year three of his six-year, $30 million contract, which expires in 2028. His contract also carries a modified no-trade clause with an eight-team no-trade list. It would be very difficult for the Penguins to retain salary since the organization only has one available retained salary spot left open. With Karlsson as a potential candidate for a trade, it’ll likely go to him. With this in mind, Pittsburgh would need to find a way to take back a short-term, expensive contract to compensate.

Next: 3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the Detroit Red Wings this Season