The Pittsburgh Penguins seemingly kicked off a rebuild with their commerce of Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals earlier this season. Nonetheless, that discuss could have been a bit untimely. Pittsburgh has turned issues round. After gaining a degree towards the Florida Panthers on Friday, the Penguins are tied on factors with the Ottawa Senators for the ultimate Wild Card spot.
The Penguins might actually make a significant transfer on the NHL Commerce Deadline to try to contend. Nonetheless, that’s unlikely presently. What Pittsburgh might do, although, is retool their roster. One participant who might discover themselves on the commerce block is ahead Rickard Rakell.
Rakell came visiting to the Penguins in 2021-22 from the Anaheim Geese. The Swedish winger has a strong first full season in Pittsburgh following the commerce. His 2023-24 marketing campaign, although, was not practically pretty much as good. Fortunately, it appears as if he has overcome his points from the earlier season.
Rakell leads all Pittsburgh skaters with 18 targets this yr. Furthermore, he ranks third on the workforce with 32 factors in 40 video games this season. This locations him on tempo for 37 targets and 66 factors throughout a full 82 video games.
If the Penguins proceed enjoying nicely, holding Rakell is an possibility. Nonetheless, the veteran winger might ship fairly the haul given the remaining time period on his contract. Because of this, a commerce actually can’t be dominated out. With this in thoughts, listed here are two early touchdown spots for Rickard Rakell forward of the 2025 NHL Commerce Deadline.
The Devils could possibly be a suitor
The New Jersey Devils have an extended, in depth rivalry with the Penguins. They’re division rivals in addition to geographical rivals. This actually makes a Rickard Rakell commerce a bit difficult between these groups. Nonetheless, if Pittsburgh falls out of playoff rivalry, New Jersey is a match for the veteran winger.
The Devils are in want of offensive steadiness. New Jersey skaters have scored 345 whole factors this season, in accordance with ESPN. 37% of those factors have been scored by three gamers — Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier.
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An unbalanced offense could be overcome. In spite of everything, the Edmonton Oilers rode their top-heavy offense to the 2024 Stanley Cup Remaining. Nonetheless, when the star level producers hit a snag, the workforce’s offense can actually stagnate. Including Rakell to the ranks would assist give the workforce some insurance coverage.
The Penguins and Devils actually do not like one another. And their standing as division rivals might make a commerce troublesome. In any occasion, Rakell is a match for New Jersey. If the value is correct, a deal might actually go down.
The Senators might take an opportunity
As troublesome as a commerce with the Devils could also be, a transfer with the Ottawa Senators could also be much more difficult. The Penguins and Senators are in direct competitors for a Wild Card spot, as talked about. And buying and selling Rickard Rakell to a direct competitor could possibly be counterproductive. No less than, if Pittsburgh continues to be in playoff rivalry by the NHL Commerce Deadline.
The Senators are in the same place to the Devils. Ottawa skaters have scored 296 factors, in accordance with ESPN. 38% of those factors have been scored by three gamers — Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson.
Total, although, Ottawa is a middle-of-the-road offensive workforce. They rank 18th within the NHL for Objectives For Per Recreation, in accordance with ESPN. The Senators might use Rakell to provide them a little bit of an added spark.
The Senators have the prospects and draft picks to make a take care of the Penguins work. There are actually obstacles in the best way which might forestall one thing from taking place. In any occasion, Rakell would make Ottawa higher down the stretch.