Young 20-Goal Scorer Hits the Trade Block: May Be Perfect Fit for Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their transitional period and could be in line for a painful and difficult rebuild as GM Kyle Dubas tries to lower the average age of his team with the careers of franchise icons Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin winding down.

The Penguins, who have also missed the postseason in each of the last 3 years, are said to be trying to unload forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust along with defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Recently, Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen, who reached a new career-best 23 goals this year, has been the subject of trade rumors by analyst Michael Auguello of The Hockey News. Would he be a good fit with the Penguins?

He's entering the last year of his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $3,475,000. Dubas could make a call to Kraken GM Jason Botterill and gauge his interest of Tolvanen, who is only 26, and perhaps even dangle a player like Rust in return.

Not only would that help to lower Pittsburgh's average age, but would also give the Kraken another scoring threat in their top-6, especially after the trade of Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The last time the Penguins selected 1st overall in the NHL Entry Draft was the infamous "Crosby Sweepstakes" in 2005.

Some have speculated that the Penguins could intentionally try and ice the poorest team possible to try and maximize their chances of getting the 1st overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and snag Gavin McKenna, who is playing this year at Penn State, with the selection.