Three Penguins Players Hit the Market, Fuelling Intense Trade Speculation

The recent trade of Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals has kept the rumor mill churning on who might be the next player on the move for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With the team struggling near the bottom of the standings, trade rumors are picking up steam.

One of the leading candidates emerging is defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

The 28-year-old, set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next July, carries a $4.025 million cap hit with an eight-team no-trade clause.

Josh Yohe of 'The Athletic' recently identified Pettersson as a likely trade chip, saying he's "as good as gone."

Yohe listed the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks among the interested parties, adding that a half-dozen or more teams could join the list before the trade deadline this season.

The Canucks may hold an advantage in pursuing Pettersson.

Their leadership, Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin, previously worked in the Penguins organization and are familiar with the blueliner's abilities.

Yohe and colleague Shayna Goldman also identified Rickard Rakell as a possible trade chip.

Given the 31-year-old winger's scoring ability, his contract, through 2027-28 with a $5 million cap hit and eight-team no-trade clause, makes him more of an offseason trade candidate when teams have more cap flexibility.

Other potential trade targets mentioned by Goldman include Noel Acciari, Anthony Beauvillier, and Blake Lizotte.

Pending UFA Beauvillier and the other two forwards, signed through next season, could be moved for modest returns because of their lower cap hits.

As for the Penguins' core stars, Yohe does not see Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin being dealt.

However, Kris Letang's name did come up as a possibility.

His full no-movement clause and four years remaining on his $6.1 million annual contract aside, Letang's age, health, and performance issues over the past season could limit interest.