Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins Reportedly Sign Rickard Rakell to Six-Year Contract Extension
The Pittsburgh Penguins have reportedly come to terms with Rickard Rakell on a six-year contract extension.
As per a few reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed expecting UFA Rickard Rakell to a six-year contract extension. Frank Seravalli is reporting the deal is in the neighborhood of 5 years x $5 million. A fair deal for the Penguins, this contract extension also likely solidifies the rumors that Evgeni Malkin will be heading to the free agency market on Wednesday after failing to come to terms on a new deal.
Rakell came over to the Penguins after a long run with the Anaheim Ducks. Part of a trade deadline deal, he proceeded to score four goals and 13 points in 19 games. During the playoffs, he was held scoreless in the two games he appeared in.
This is an interesting commitment by the Penguins considering Rakell’s production has declined since he posted a 34-goal season with 69 points in 77 games in 2017-18. One could argue that he isn’t a 30-goal scorer anymore but this deal suggests the Penguins are hoping he gets close over the next few years. There’s a very good chance this contract doesn’t pass the time test and that the Penguins could regret prioritizing Rakell over Malkin as the next few seasons pass.
The knock on Rakell is that he’s a good shooter but that he needs to play with a good playmaking centre to score. If he clicks with Sidney Crosby, this could be a decent deal. If he doesn’t, it could get interesting.
Next: Avalanche Agree to 8-Year Extension With Valeri Nichushkin
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