Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Rumors: Rust and Rakell Available, Crosby Untouchable, Interest in Carey Price
The Pittsburgh Penguins are actively looking to make trades, with General Manager Kyle Dubas making it clear that veterans Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are available for the right offer. However, team captain Sidney Crosby is off-limits, as the Penguins have no intention of moving their franchise icon. Recent rumors about Carey Price potentially becoming available have sparked the Penguins' interest in making roster moves to accommodate the veteran goaltender.
Last season, the Penguins finished seventh in the Metropolitan Division, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. While Crosby continues to excel with 91 points in 80 games, the team recognizes the need for fresh talent to compete at a higher level. This necessitates moving veterans like Rust and Rakell, who are seen as likely candidates for trades to facilitate the team's rebuild.
With a combined cap hit of $10.1 million, trading Rust and Rakell would provide the Penguins with significant financial flexibility. Dubas is keen on completing deals soon to avoid losing them to free agency next summer when they become unrestricted free agents. The potential addition of Carey Price adds another layer of intrigue to the Penguins' trade discussions.
Speculation suggests that the Penguins could be a suitable destination for Price, given their $13 million in cap space and the presence of multiple unrestricted free agents on their roster. The team's willingness to rebuild and the financial resources at their disposal make them a viable option for acquiring Price. The Penguins also have other veteran contracts expiring next summer, including Evgeni Malkin and Noel Acciari, which could further impact their roster composition.
Price's contract structure, with a lower actual remaining salary compared to his cap hit, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to acquire him. The Penguins, who struggled defensively last season, could benefit from adding a seasoned goaltender like Price to address their needs in that area. This move would demonstrate their commitment to competitiveness while transitioning towards a younger player base.
As the Penguins consider potential trades to revamp their roster, maximizing returns on veteran players becomes crucial to their rebuilding timeline. With management eyeing prospects like Gavin McKenna in the upcoming draft, the team's strategic approach to trades will play a significant role in shaping their future direction.