The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016, an agonizing drought for the proud franchise that had a mini-dynasty in the 2000s. It has been a long and painful process. When Steve Yzerman took over the reins, the Red Wings had no prospects and very few high draft picks. It has taken years, but the Red Wings have a litany of prospects that would make many GMs jealous.
It was reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that the Red Wings were aggressive this offseason in pursuit of a stud winger who can put the puck in the back of the net. He said that Yzerman pursued Steven Stamkos with vigor. As everyone knows, Stamkos signed with the Nashville Predators. This forced Yzerman to pivot and sign Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko had a pretty forgettable season, scoring only 11 goals and adding 22 assists. The Red Wings need a winger in the worst way. Luckily for them the Penguins have a winger who can help them.
This trade is very beneficial for both sides. How long are the Red Wings willing to rebuild? How much more time will they give Yzerman? In this trade, they add a great winger in Rakell for the 13th overall pick. The Wings will also move off of Taresenko's $4.75 million contract, which expires after this year.
They will also have $21 million in cap space, which they can use to not only keep Patrick Kane but also sign several other big-time free agents, especially ones who will help their blueline.
For the Penguins, this trade sets up the possibility where they have the 11th, 12th, and 13th picks in this draft (much like the Bruins in 2015). They could drastically increase the size and talent of their prospect pool or use one or two of those picks to acquire a player that will help them now and in the future.