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Elliotte Friedman Shares What Rickard Rakell Really Wants After Trade Speculation Grows
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Hockey Now
With growing trade speculation surrounding Penguins forward Rickard Rakell, NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman is sharing what he would really like about his future in Pittsburgh.
There is rampant trade speculation surrounding a pair of Penguins forwards in Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.
Both players reached the 30-goal mark this year, with Rust scoring 31 goals while Rakell scored 35.
But they are both rumored to be on the trade block from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, who is working to rebuild the club back into a postseason contender.
The Penguins have missed the postseason in each of the last 3 years, marking the longest drought in the NHL careers of both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Per a new report from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, Rakell would actually prefer to remain with the Penguins rather than be shipped out of town.
Elliotte Friedman: I've heard Rickard Rakell would prefer to stay in Pittsburgh; it's not his call...I've heard he's not averse to staying - 32 Thoughts Podcast
Recently, Josh Yohe of The Athletic speculated that while at least one of the players is expected to be moved, it wouldn't be considered a failure on Pittsburgh's part if both started the year with the team still.
League sources say they expect at least one of the wingers to be dealt this summer.
If the 2025-26 season begins with both Rust and Rakell on the Penguins' top line, the organization wouldn't see that as a failure. If trading them for high value is the goal, stirring up a bidding war between contenders at the trade deadline in March wouldn't be the worst route.
If the 2025-26 season begins with both Rust and Rakell on the Penguins' top line, the organization wouldn't see that as a failure. If trading them for high value is the goal, stirring up a bidding war between contenders at the trade deadline in March wouldn't be the worst route.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 11 | 133 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Shares What Rickard Rakell Really Wants After Trade Speculation Grows Will the Penguins trade Rickard Rakell? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 61.7 % |
| No | 51 | 38.3 % |
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