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NHL analyst discusses the three Penguins players most likely to be traded at the deadline
Tonight a new report has discussed three players the Pittsburgh Penguins could look to trade at the NHL trade deadline.
The Penguins currently find themselves in an odd split between a contending team and a potential rebuilding non-playoff team.
Over the last several games the Penguins have been on a massive slide down in the standings leading many to believe they will end up being sellers at the NHL trade deadline.
If the Penguins do trade away veterans for future assets NHL analyst Vivek Kalia has identified three players that Kyle Dubas could look to move on from.
NHL analyst identifies three Penguins players who could be moved at the trade deadline
In a new piece for The Hockey Writers, Kalia named Anthony Mantha, Rickard Rakell, and Brett Kulak as players most likely to be traded.
When discussing Mantha, Kalia believes his size and physicality combination could intrigue contending teams to give up legitimate assets to land him.
Mantha brings a rare blend of size and offensive touch. At over 6 feet tall and north of 230 pounds, he offers a physical presence that many contenders look to add ahead of the playoffs.
Next up, is Rickard Rakell who Kalia believes could fetch the Penguins the biggest return thanks to his career resurgence in Pittsburgh.
Rakell's appeal lies in his versatility and proven scoring résumé. He can play either wing, contribute on the power play, and slot comfortably alongside elite centers. While his point totals have fluctuated, his underlying offensive habits - puck protection, intelligent off-puck movement, and shot selection - remain reliable.
Finally, comes the newly acquired Brett Kulak who has been mentioned by many around the league as a potential candidate to be flipped at the deadline.
Kulak provides steady, low-maintenance minutes. He moves the puck efficiently, maintains defensive structure, and can be trusted in a third-pair role while stepping up in case of injury. For playoff teams navigating condensed schedules and matchup challenges, that type of reliability is invaluable.
From Pittsburgh's standpoint, Kulak is replaceable internally and does not project as a long-term cornerstone.
From Pittsburgh's standpoint, Kulak is replaceable internally and does not project as a long-term cornerstone.
As of now, Kyle Dubas and the Penguins front office have not made a decision on their trade deadline plans, if they do plan to sell for the future getting rid of each of these players will be a paramount goal for Dubas and the front office.
As more information is provided on the Penguins plans and any potential trades they might make we will pass the latest details along to you.