Pittsburgh’s core stays put for now as rusted trade winds swirl around Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson, who are all cited as candidates this offseason. Frank Seravalli’s take: no, not likely to move soon — but the rumor mill won’t quit. At the same time, Mason McTavish remains the Ducks’ highly valued Restricted Free Agent, with teams lining up as potential destinations. Detroit, Carolina, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Philadelphia surface as plausible suitors, each armed with distinct assets and cap considerations. Packages surface involving a 2023 first-rounder (17th overall) and a key young defender like Axel Sandin Pellikka, plus salary ballast. Carolina’s cap space (~$10M) and willingness to assemble a multi-piece offer contrast with Vancouver’s need to shed salary, while Calgary’s age fit and Montreal’s 2C need add layers to the conversation. Philadelphia’s history of deal-making in these circles makes them a recurring wildcard. The rumor rounds around these names point to a league-wide scramble for middle- to high-end centers, with McTavish representing the clearest movable asset for a true rebuild window.

Fantasy managers should monitor not just McTavish’s destinations, but the ripple effects around Pittsburgh’s veteran core. If the Ducks listen on McTavish, the teams that land him could push Penguins’ cap plans into sharper relief, testing the depth of PIT’s forward corps and the long-term impact of Karlsson’s defense-first tempo. The chatter also underscores how cap flexibility and draft capital can tilt negotiations, making the next 2-3 weeks critical for rosters and dynasty values around the NHL.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are undergoing a significant transition, with veterans Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust in the spotlight regarding potential trades. Both players showcased impressive statistics last season, with Rust netting 31 goals and 34 assists, while Rakell scored 35 goals and 35 assists. As the Penguins' management, under president Kyle Dubas, aims for a youth movement, the future of both players remains uncertain. Dubas is not inclined to let them go cheaply; high-value assets are expected in any trade. The Penguins are poised for a rebuild but need to navigate this delicate balance while maintaining competitiveness on the ice.

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.

The trade landscape is heating up for the Pittsburgh Penguins as speculation arises regarding Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson. A first-round pick along with a solid young player like Alex Turcotte from the Los Angeles Kings is being suggested for Rakell, but sources indicate that Pittsburgh would be looking for a better prospect. Meanwhile, Karlsson's potential trade hinges on how much salary the Penguins are willing to retain, with a second-round pick and a B-level prospect seen as a favorable return.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are also in the market for goaltenders, with GM Don Waddell expressing the need for a reliable third goalie to support their current options, Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins. The Blue Jackets are hoping to capture a player via waivers, but they face challenges given the scarcity of unprotected goalies.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are not actively trading their key players unless they receive substantial offers. General Manager Kyle Dubas has set a high asking price for forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, both fresh off impressive seasons. With a market shortage of top-six wingers, the Penguins are leveraging this to avoid selling their talent cheaply. Rakell, 32, recorded 35 goals and 70 points last season, while 33-year-old Rust netted 31 goals and 34 assists. Both players have three years left on their contracts and are vital for the Penguins' immediate future.

Dubas is also maintaining a hefty price tag for defenseman Erik Karlsson, even as he may have to retain some salary to facilitate his trade. The Penguins currently sit with $13 million in cap space, giving them flexibility as they navigate potential trades. This strategy could significantly impact their roster, especially regarding future acquisitions and team dynamics.