With constant pending questions on if Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell will be traded, continue to loom more and more into free agency let alone the dreaded quiet part of the off season.
With the Hurricanes landing Nik Ehlers on a long term deal, all eyes now point to Pittsburgh's Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, who have been in trade rumours since last off-season and have carried into this year's off-season. The Penguins have been receiving multiple calls from interested teams on both wingers, but Kyle Dubas isn't budging on his high price of both players.
Chris Johnston: Re teams that struck out on Nik Ehlers: As we get into this week, it's something to watch out for; to me a team to really keep an eye on are the Penguins; they have two such players that fit the bill...Rakell and Rust - Chris Johnston Show
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 8, 2025
Dubas has stated he's now done accumulating only draft picks and wants NHL ready young players or prospects that will help this team return to contention.
The ask at the trade deadline for Rakell was two first round picks and a prospect which sets the bar incredibly high for an asking price. It also implies a looming question; has the asking price changed or is it still the same? If Rakell does get moved Penguins fans after a 35 goal season, you will be incredibly happy with the return.
The other side of the coin for Rakell is this, he doesn't want to leave and clearly enjoys playing with Sidney Crosby despite the Penguins being in a very evident strip down rebuild, along with the evident exit of Evgeni Malkin at the end of this upcoming season.
Bryan Rust is highly sought out, the back to back Stanley Cup Champion with that resume should be able to fetch the Penguins an incredible return when it comes to players and prospects, team's that most likely are interested are Detroit, NYR, Edmonton, Toronto and Los Angeles. Personally, the Penguins should not be trading in division, Dubas has been recently doing that with the Eller, Reilly Smith and Beauvillier which isn't wise if Rust is traded in division. Especially to any divsion rivals.
On Pittsburgh: Everyone is waiting to see what happens with Rakell and Rust. Rakell is not adversed to staying in Pittsburgh. There is a lot of interest in Rust. Ellotte also mentions Karlsson and Jarry as potential players to be traded. #LetsGoPens #NHL
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) July 7, 2025
""So, I mean, we're watching now for Rakell and Rust. I've heard Rakell would prefer to stay in Pittsburgh; it's just that it's not his call. But ultimately, Dubas will make that decision. Rust has a lot of loyalty to the Penguins; I've heard there's a ton of interest in him. Again, it's up to; does Dubas get his price?""Elliote Friedman on the Penguins rumours
Everyone can agree Kyle standing his ground with his asking price is very hopeful and will most likely see the Penguins fetch some good returns, however we are still on the what if's when it comes to if they do get moved at all. Dubas is doing the absolute right thing in be patient on letting go of any of the two talented players.
If any team is ready to acquire Rust or Rakell, they better be ready to pay up and pay a substantial price to further boost there own chances of contention.