One of the Penguins’ best assets ahead of the trade deadline is Rickard Rakell and he continued a solid bounceback year with another goal in a losing effort. Patrick and Hunter begin the show talking about how the Penguins once again played a solid game, this time against the Colorado Avalanche, but weren’t able to find the goals they needed. Then, the biggest question the Penguins face is when they should trade Rickard Rakell. They talk about how it wouldn’t be surprising if they held onto him until the offseason in order to get a better return. They also discuss Anthony Beauviller and how a tough, late-game penalty could ultimately be his final play as a Penguin. Lastly, it’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to hand out the MVP award of the week as part of Warrior Helmet on Wednesday.
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19 Comments
I'm getting tired of seeing Mike Sullivan chewing gum on the bench.
It would be a mistake to trade Rakell, he should be part of the future.
Rakell to me is the wildcard. I do think he will get traded, but I don't think it happens until the offseason. Right now, the Penguins have all the leverage because Rakell is not a pending UFA, has a reasonable cap hit, and is having a great season.
They don't have any pressure to move at the deadline like they did with Jake last year, because Rakell is under contract for 3 more seasons after this. If he goes on a heater and gets close to 40 goals, then his value will be at an all time high in the offseason and GM's will come calling from everywhere, given what his cap hit is and what his production could potentially end up at.
Not enough players that can score. That includes the second line.
My trade deadline prediction is Acciari is gonna be the first domino to fall. There's rumored to be interest, gms still love gritty penalty killers. Then I think Beauvillier and Grzelcyk are moved, and that's probably gonna be it. I think people who are expecting a ton of moves might be underwhelmed. Karlsson is gonna be an offseason move if it happens, and I don't know if any team is gonna cough up enough for Rakell.
Unless the incoming trade is an out of this world known quantity, trading Raks would be the most moronic thing to do. Keep an aging but great first line and build the rest around that, with youngsters. Also get D men that can D. Goaltending… 😬
If they've gotta move Rakell, unless the return is huge, at least wait until the summer. Sid needs someone to get pucks to and from if he's going to hit that point per game+ pace.
One thing about Rakell … just last season the conversation around the trade deadline was, "I would take a 3rd or 4th just to get rid of his contract." Now I'm not saying I would just give Rakell away (obviously), but if there is a true bidding war going on for him, and some team out there is willing to give up a king's ransom for him either now or over the offseason, I would do it. Keep in mind he scored 34 goals in 2017-18 and came back in 2018-19 and scored 18. He scored 28 goals in 2022-23 and followed that up with 15 goals in 2023-24. There is a very good chance his value will never be as high as it is right now and into the summer.
I'm surprised Cody Glass isn't being talked about being on the move. Even though he is technically an RFA right now, he makes $2.5M … so I can't see Dubas qualifying him to give him an automatic raise after what is currently a 4-goal, 15-point season. Assuming he goes unqualified, he is going to be a UFA this summer. So unless they have plans to extend him now … why not try to move him? Of course, there may not be a market for him too.
If Rakells value isn’t going to be any higher, then trade him, for me we need to start building for the future; but then again, we need to give Crosby support!
As always, let’s go pens 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧
If they move Rakell than just move Crosby too.. I'd keep Rakell and Rust and leave the first line together. We had a ton of 1 year contracts last offseason. Move what you can outside of Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Rust, and Rakell and let those 1 mil contracts fall off. Then try to buy this offseason and build a team around Sid and Geno
A thought for a future episode. I would love to hear a conversation about the potential RFA's this summer. Dubas could use some of those picks he has stockpiled to make offers as another way to get young talent onto the roster.
I really hope all the boys are in VEGAS tonight havin’ one last BIG horrah together as a team .
last year it was a mistake for Dubas to let them go so early to have a good time – but after this season … & what is bound to occur in the coming days …
say what you want about the team & their play … I think they’ve played a better season than their record shows . & it must be frustrating . just hope Sid & Geno are taking the boys to the strip tonight & having a good time .
With all of the centres being taken off the trade board or injured, is there any room for the Pens to move either Glass or Lizotte for an asset?
Drafts 2003 , Fleury , 2004 Malkin , 2005, Crosby, 2006 Staal Carolina captain now , top 5 picks win cups , 1991 and 1992 , Lemiuex and Jagr top 5 picks
I would trade Rackell now , while his value is up , off-season would be a bad idea , do it now , you will get more now for him.
Im tanking for the next Crosby, Gavin McKenna 2026 dfrat , if im them
Pens did play a good game. As usual this season, came up short. Loved the effort though.
He'll be worth more at the deadline than in the off season. Historically, precedent says you get maximum return when teams are desperate and playoff teams are desperate. Sure, you don't move him for nothing, but a 1st and a can't miss prospect, I 100% move him.