Pittsburgh Penguins: The Sole Sellers in the NHL Trade Market
As the NHL Draft and the free agency period draw near, the landscape of the trade market is starting to take shape. Notably, it seems that only one team stands out as a significant seller this summer—the Pittsburgh Penguins. NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic indicated on TSN 1050 that, unlike most teams that finished near the lower end of the standings and are looking to enhance their rosters, the Penguins are positioning themselves as the sole “true sellers” on the market.
Veteran Players on the Trade Block
This scenario places the Penguins in a unique opportunity to offload some veteran players in exchange for valuable assets. Among those likely to be at the center of trade discussions are forward Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, alongside defenseman Erik Karlsson. Last season, both Rust and Rakell showcased impressive performances, netting over 30 goals each—Rust scored 31 goals along with 65 points, while Rakell posted 35 goals and 70 points, often lining up alongside superstar Sidney Crosby.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Karlsson recorded 11 goals and 53 points but struggled defensively, finishing with a minus-24 rating. His potential availability has been a hot topic in trade conversations leading up to the off-season.
Transitioning Team Dynamics
The Penguins are under scrutiny this off-season, having missed the playoffs for three consecutive years, which has led to speculation regarding potential roster changes. Over the next three years, they have accumulated the most draft picks in the NHL—30 selections in total, including 18 from the first three rounds and 10 from the first two rounds.
In this transitional phase, team General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas is keen on amassing more assets while exploring opportunities to bring in younger talent. He has expressed interest in the restricted free agent (RFA) trade market, highlighting the potential for strategic moves if the right circumstances arise.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 NHL Entry Draft
As the Penguins stand out as the only notable sellers heading into the draft, they may find themselves in a favorable position, especially with intentions to trade up for a higher draft pick. With June underway, discussions around the highly anticipated 2025 NHL Entry Draft are intensifying.
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