Penguins Forward Rickard Rakell Linked to Four Teams as Trade Talks Heat Up

Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins ought to be on the phones now that Nikolaj Ehlers has signed a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

One of the Penguins' top trade chips is veteran winger Bryan Rust. The 33-year-old had a career year, scoring 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games.

Teams are interested, but Dubas has stated Rust will be expensive, given his production, remaining term on his contract, and long-term history in Pittsburgh. But if they can't pay the price for Rust, there's a fascinating alternative in Rickard Rakell.

Rakell has been the subject of conversation since the trade deadline, and rightfully so. The 31-year-old just had a career year, with 35 goals and 70 points, his third 30-goal campaign.

As the cap rises, a reliable goal-scorer inked for three more years at just $5 million annually is a nice piece to have. Rakell offers significant value to any team that is looking to add scoring depth, particularly in a win-now window.

Of possible destinations, the Los Angeles Kings are at the forefront, per 'The Fourth Period'. LA has been rumored to be interested in Rakell for a while and still requires goal-scoring assistance despite the addition of Andrei Kuzmenko.

They're said to have inquired about Rakell at the deadline and possess assets, such as defenseman Brandt Clarke, that might appeal to Pittsburgh.

The Kings have nearly $6 million in cap room and still have to sign RFA Alex Laferriere, but a Rakell signing can be done through some salary-cap maneuvering. If they want to have Rakell, they'll have to pay, but he's the perfect fit.

Other clubs that have been linked to Rakell are Seattle, Ottawa, and Chicago. Any one of these three teams are on the rise, particularly Ottawa, and they could definitely benefit from a goal-scorer like Rakell.