Crucial Decision Ahead as Penguins Consider Cashing In Big on Rickard Rakell

For much of the last season, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell was the subject of trade rumors. It was understandable, as the Penguins were out of the playoff race pretty early on, while Rakell enjoyed a career year.

In 81 games, he set new career highs with 35 goals and 70 points. Now, as the offseason is about to get underway in full force, the possibility of Rakell getting traded is certainly there.

Teams are always on the hunt for skilled top-six forwards such as Rakell, and his 70-point season certainly makes him an appealing target.

His affordable $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 is also another tantalizing reason teams may chase him.

It is important to note that trading the 2011 first-round pick would also come with risk. The Penguins have just hired Dan Muse as their new coach, so perhaps GM Kyle Dubas would like to play the wait-and-see approach.

Perhaps Rakell would really thrive under Muse, and trading him away too soon could jeopardize team chemistry. It will be important to give Rakell some time under Muse to see how things go.

The Penguins are hoping to get back to being a playoff team, and trading one of their top star wingers like Rakell could ruin those chances. Rakell is an important part of their top-six group and power play.

The Penguins are not in a position where they need to rush a Rakell trade. He is coming off a lovely season and is locked up at an affordable cap hit. I

It may make more sense for them to keep him as they look to be more competitive again under their new coach. The summer is shaping up to be a very interesting one in Pittsburgh.