Karlsson’s veteran presence and offensive ability keep him in the middle of the Penguins’ plans, but rumors suggest a big offer could pry him loose. If traded, the Penguins would lean on younger defensemen stepping up, and Karlsson’s departure would free cap space for younger players.

Rakell’s two-way presence and scoring touch make him a high-value piece in any shakeup; his value hinges on line placement and power-play usage. If traded, Penguins’ offense would hinge on depth players stepping up, while Rakell’s own fantasy upside would depend on the destination’s system and PP time.

Rust steadies Pittsburgh’s top-six with veteran grit and shooting touch; his two-way game keeps him as a focal trade chip, though PIT’s willingness to move him hinges on leverage and return quality. If a deal happens, it would reshuffle scoring depth and power-play units, elevating teammates stepping up to fill the gap.

Pittsburgh stands at the center of late-summer chatter, with front-office plans tied to cap space and draft-pick leverage. Expect discussions around restructuring depth and potential acquisitions that could shift forward lines or defense pairings, with fantasy implications for minutes and special-teams roles.

Crosby’s era is framed against a Penguins roster that’s clearly reloading, with a post-Crosby plan in motion. The show contemplates Crosby’s lasting impact, the challenge of building around a declining star, and how the Penguins’ strategy may influence fantasy value for veterans and youth alike.