As the Pittsburgh Penguins navigate their rebuilding phase, the future of players Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell is under scrutiny. With the Penguins' roster now relying heavily on Sidney Crosby, whose age is a concern, and the waning impact of veterans like Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, Rust and Rakell represent a blend of solid talent without the star power needed for a serious playoff run. The Penguins have accumulated a depth of young prospects but lack true standout stars, which could prompt a shift towards trading Rust or Rakell for high-value assets.

General Manager Ron Hextall is advised to consider offers that could yield a first-round pick or elite prospects, thereby streamlining the cap and enhancing their chances for a bright future. The potential trades could accelerate the rebuilding process, particularly in pursuit of coveted talents like Gavin McKenna in the upcoming draft.