Rickard Rakell keeps popping up in trade rumors as the Pittsburgh Penguins figure out their next move. The 32-year-old winger had a career year in 2024-25, but that success might actually work against him staying put.
Why Does Rakell Want to Stay in Pittsburgh?
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Rakell isn’t pushing for a move and would rather stay put. “I’ve heard Rakell would prefer to stay in Pittsburgh,” Friedman said. “It’s just that it’s not his call.” The choice belongs to GM Kyle Dubas, who’s keeping his options open as the team reshapes its roster.
Rakell posted career highs with 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25 while locking down a spot in Pittsburgh’s top six. The Swedish winger reached his 500th NHL point during the season, a milestone that came during his seventh NHL campaign.
Rickard Rakell gets his 500th NHL point as Pittsburgh ties the game! pic.twitter.com/e1dCEFb6kR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 2, 2025
His production has caught attention around the league, especially since he’s under contract for three more years at a $5 million cap hit. That combination makes him both a key contributor and a valuable trade chip.
What Teams Are Interested in Trading for Rakell?
Pittsburgh faces a tricky situation. They’re not ready for a full rebuild, but they want to add youth and future assets to the system. Veterans like Rakell sit in that gray area where they could help bring back pieces for the next chapter.
Several teams are watching the situation closely. Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski mentioned the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken as possible destinations.
All three have cap space and need scoring help. Detroit missed the playoffs again in 2024-25, finishing with 86 points, and could use a proven scorer like Rakell.
The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs since 2015-16, the longest drought in franchise history. Adding a 35-goal scorer would give them immediate help while they develop younger players. Los Angeles finished with 105 points but got bounced in the first round, while Seattle grabbed 76 points in just their fourth season.
If Dubas decides to shop Rakell, he won’t lack for interested parties. The winger’s experience, scoring ability, and team-friendly contract appeal to both contenders and rebuilding teams.
Even Chicago has been linked to him. The Fourth Period included Rakell on their trade watchlist, pointing to Pittsburgh’s potential shift toward a younger roster. The Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division with 61 points but have cap space and prospects to offer.
Pittsburgh hasn’t made any major offseason moves yet, but that could change quickly. Rakell’s situation might be the first domino to fall, especially if Dubas finds the right package of picks and prospects.
For now, Rakell remains a Penguin. Whether he starts the 2025-26 season in black and gold depends on how aggressively the front office wants to retool. Trading him wouldn’t just move one player. It could signal how Pittsburgh plans to balance competing now with building for the future.
