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.

Carolina Hurricanes go all-in this offseason, adding K'Andre Miller from New York and Nikolaj Ehlers to bolster the blueline and add firepower. They reportedly remain in on a Rakell pursuit, leveraging cap space for a Cup-or-bust push. Miller’s and Ehlers’ arrivals raise the Hurricanes’ floor on both ends, while Rakell would push their ceiling even higher, potentially reshaping lineups and power-play units across the East.

Fantasy implications bend toward opportunity. Ehlers likely slots into a prominent forward role, Miller shores up a top-four that should see more favorable starts and PP time, and Rakell—if acquired—could anchor a high-scoring top line. Carolina’s flexibility, aided by team-friendly deals, signals continued aggressive moves and a roaster reshaping that could redefine fantasy values in drafts and daily leagues this season.

Overall, Carolina’s aggressive build could shift East power dynamics, with multiple players seeing upside from the new talent around them. The mix of speed, scoring, and defense raises the Hurricanes’ playoff probability while giving fantasy managers several new high-upside targets.

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.