The Penguins do not need to worry about the trade deadline until early March. But it is widely known around the league that one of the only pieces that could get them a good return, is Rickard Rakell. Rakell really had a tough year last season but has really done well to bounce back on Crosby's wing and should wait to be traded until the offseason if the Penguins go that route.
The good news about trading him now
If the Penguins decided to trade Rakell now, they could up the price to say something like a young NHL ready player, a prospect, and like a first or second round pick. That would be a really good return for a player of his caliber.
Only downside to doing this right now, is the fact that Rakell still has a 5-million-dollar cap hit and contenders that would line up for his services, would have to find a way to make that work. If the Penguins were to trade Rakell right now, they most likely would not want to retain any money on their cap.
But if the Penguins were creative and found a way to make this work with a contender right now, you would have to do it because who knows how Rakell looks next season.
The bad news about trading him now
There is a major downside if the Penguins were to trade Rickard Rakell right now for two reasons. The first being that Crosby for the second straight season, would lose one of his consistent linemates that he has insane chemistry with.
The second reason being that they would lose a player on their roster that really drives offense and can score goals and would seriously derail the Penguins playoff push when they are right there in a weak Eastern Conference.
Everyone knows and expects the Penguins to again miss the playoffs by a few points but trading Rakell really makes that a reality and it is not known if Dubas wants to go that route just yet.