Kyle Dubas Plans a New Strategy as Trade Rumors Surround Key Penguins Players
With trade rumors involving several key players of the Penguins increasing, an NHL writer has revealed a new strategy that Kyle Dubas will be utilizing moving ahead.
It has been speculated many times over that the Penguins will dismantle their roster during the approaching fire sale ahead of the NHL trade deadline due to their poor start to the year.
Not so fast. General Manager Kyle Dubas will make moves, as evident from his trade of Lars Eller, but the notion that the Pens will just blow it all up is a tad blown out of proportion, especially in regards to Rickard Rakell.
To this day, Rickard Rakell has had a really good campaign, which can make him a great trade candidate.
He has two years remaining on his $5-million annual contract and without a no-trade clause, so he's the type of player who would garner quality assets.
To this point, though, NHL writer Josh Yohe states that it doesn't seem like general manager Kyle Dubas is looking to move him unless an offer blows his mind.
And rightfully so: this is a guy who complements superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
It would be tough to sell the idea of trading one of your better wingers if Pittsburgh ends up not too far off the playoff bubble near the deadline.
So, if a Rakell trade happens, it likely happens in the offseason when the rising salary cap could create more interest.
For now, the Penguins believe his versatility and the consistent contribution he gives them are more important than what a trade would yield.
Others, though, will move: reportedly with several teams wanting him, including Edmonton and Vancouver is Marcus Pettersson with an expiring deal.
Along with the quality defensive play, he becomes one of the more likely candidates to get moved because of his expiring deal.
Prospect youngsters like Owen Pickering, a D-man, along with goalie Sergei Murashov, develop well throughout this organization and give a little bit of hope.
The Penguins aren't falling into full-scale teardown pitfalls seen in other franchises with a focus on a balanced approach in their rebuilding year despite the challenges.
