Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Places Three More Players on the Trade Block Including a Former 30 Goal Scorer
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is ready to shake the roster up and he has done so by placing three players on the trade block including Rickard Rakell.
As the NHL season reaches its quarter mark, teams are starting to compile lists of potential trade targets for later in the year.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, especially under GM Kyle Dubas, are indicating their willingness toward trade conversations.
According to reports, Dubas is believed to be fielding calls on nearly all players, from forwards Rickard Rakell, Michael Bunting, and right to Bryan Rust.
Rakell's best season came in 2017-18 while a member of the Anaheim Ducks, where he put up a career-high 34 goals, 35 assists, and 69 points, all personal milestones for him.
Any potential trade for Rust, who has three years left on his deal, would seemingly be more likely to go down in the second half.
Rust had his best season in 2019-20 for the Penguins, where for the first and only time in his career, he was averaging more than a point per game. He finished that season with 27 goals, 29 assists, and 56 points in 55 games.
The 32-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause this season and would have a say in his destination should he decide to waive it.
Rust carries a $6.1-million cap hit this season before his salary drops to $5.13 million next season and $3.66 million in the final two years of his deal.
On 'The Latest' with David Pagnotta, which aired Wednesday, the possibility of Rust being on the move was discussed.
«For teams that want to get an offensive guy, he's gonna be attractive piece. Now, I can tell you (the Penguins) have not had any discussions with Rust or his camp about the possibility of waving his no-movement clause. It's too early right now, that hasn't even crossed their minds. However, as we get closer to the deadline, he could be a piece that teams look at because of his controllability, because he's got term and because Pittsburgh is looking to shake things up.»
Meanwhile, the Penguins are reportedly entertaining offers on several other players, including defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forwards Drew O'Connor, Anthony Beauvillier, and Matt Nieto, all of whom are on expiring contracts.
Dubas seems committed to stockpiling draft capital. The Penguins have selections in each round of the 2025 NHL Draft except the second.
For 2024, they hold three third-round picks and three fifth-round picks, paving the way for potential movement down the line.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 174 ANSWERS Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Places Three More Players on the Trade Block Including a Former 30 Goal Scorer Will the Penguins trade Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell before the end of the season? | ||
| Yes | 149 | 85.6 % |
| No | 25 | 14.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
