NHL Trades and Rumors

Pretty Clear Who the Penguins Are Open to Trading in Bid to Get Younger

The Penguins are making veteran forwards available, and one name has surfaced in trade talks. Here’s what Elliotte Friedman reported.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 19, 2026

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly shopping some of their older forwards to make room for their young players, and Rickard Rakell’s name is at the center of it.

According to Elliotte Friedman’s report on 32 Thoughts, Pittsburgh has made veteran forwards available. Friedman was told the Penguins tried to move Rakell to Columbus during the timeline of the Kirill Marchenko trade. He would have been part of a three-team trade that eventually gave Rakell to the Blue Jackets to help replace the lost production of their top goal scorer. Obviously, that trade never materialized, but it could explain why the Penguins are back in the rumor mill and Rakell’s name is surfacing again.

It’s unclear whether the Canadiens made a formal offer or whether Rakell was ever close to being moved. His name coming up does suggest Montreal considered different ways of building a package that could appeal to the Blue Jackets. It is not believed the Canadiens want Rakell on their roster, but he was the swing piece.

It will be interesting to see if any other teams are open to the idea of Rakell, which, given his slow start to the season, might mean a lower trade return. With no goals and two assists through seven games. He didn’t blame the short training camp. “I’ve been through this 100 times before,” he said, adding that the chances have been there and he’s getting shots on net. “Just gotta maybe relax a little bit when the chances are coming.”

Pittsburgh is open to trading older veterans for youth. Rakell would rank near the top of the list of players general manager Kyle Dubas might be shopping. Bryan Rust is likely on that list as well. Whether it extends to names like Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, or others remains to be seen.

Whether a trade actually comes together is unclear. Friedman didn’t report that a deal is close, and a cold start could affect Rakell’s value. But the Penguins’ plan to get younger is now an open topic around the league, and Rakell looks like one of the first players who could be moved.

He does hold some modest trade protection, with an 8-team no-trade list worked into his contract.

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