David Pagnotta Reports Penguins are in Trade Talks With Pacific Division Team

It's likely going to be a summer of change for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have already made a major switch in leadership from head coach Mike Sullivan to former New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse.

Muse takes over the bench in Pittsburgh, while Sullivan is now the bench boss with the Rangers after they parted ways with Peter Laviolette.

In the meantime, general manager Kyle Dubas could be making additional changes to the lineup that potentially involve one or both of Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Per a recent report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Dubas is in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Kings, though he did not specify which players could be involved in the discussions.

Rakell and Rust aren't the only Penguins players who have been involved in trade rumors, as defenseman and former Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson has also been involved in recent rumors.

Right now, Dubas is tasked with trying to maximize the short time in the careers that remain of franchise icons Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

Crosby is under contract for another two years, a deal he agreed to last summer with his traditional AAV (average annual value) of $8.7 million, a clear nod to his sweater No. 87.

Meanwhile, Malkin is under contract only for another year, and many have speculated that 2025-26 could be his last season in the NHL. Letang has also dealt with multiple health issues in recent years, including having undergone heart surgery.