Penguins Face Tough Decision on Trading Key Winger Ahead of NHL Draft

As excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft on June 26-27, the trade market has already seen a flurry of activity. Major moves have included Brady Tkachuk heading to Florida, Simon Nemec going to Calgary, and Jordan Kyrou moving to Washington. Most notably, defenseman Bowen Byram was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for a package that includes the fourth overall pick. The landscape is buzzing, and the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves with three valuable trade assets that could reshape their roster.

Since the 2025 trade deadline, veterans Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson have been the subject of trade discussions. Each player, despite their ages—34, 33, and 36 respectively—holds significant value in today’s market. Given the current demand for established NHL talent, the potential return for these players could be substantial.

Rust has just completed his seventh consecutive season with 20 or more goals, marking a career high with totals of 28, 31, and 29 over the last three seasons. Rakell, too, has enjoyed a resurgence, with his recent seasons in Pittsburgh being among the best of his career. Meanwhile, Karlsson returned to form last season, contributing 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games while showcasing his defensive prowess.

The Penguins are eager to improve next season while also infusing youth into their lineup. If executed correctly, they could trade one or two of these veterans to move up in the draft or acquire younger NHL talent, such as Elias Pettersson or Jason Robertson. However, the challenge lies in the integral roles these players played in last season’s playoff push. Moving both Rust and Rakell would mean losing two of their top-three productive forwards, while trading Karlsson would leave them without their most effective defenseman.

Given these complexities, it seems unlikely all three will be moved. Karlsson, protected by a full no-movement clause, presents a unique situation. Trading him without an immediate replacement would hinder the team’s chances of competing. In contrast, the Penguins may consider moving Rust and Rakell, especially with the enticing returns anticipated before the draft. Rust has no trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, providing the Penguins with some flexibility.

From a sentimental standpoint, many fans believe Rakell is the more likely candidate to be traded, given Rust’s long-standing relationship with Sidney Crosby and his significant locker room presence. However, a logistical analysis suggests that if only one of the two forwards is moved, Rust may be the more prudent choice.

Rust and Rakell are comparable in many aspects—both are near point-per-game players, capable of netting 25-30 goals each season. Rust’s experience and consistency have made him a valuable asset for contenders over the years, but recent shifts in his game have raised concerns. His defensive play has faltered, and his once-explosive speed has diminished, making him less of a threat on the ice.

Conversely, Rakell has thrived in Pittsburgh, particularly during the crucial playoff push when he tallied 14 goals and 24 points over a crucial 20-game span. His versatility allows him to play both center and wing, further increasing his value. With a higher goal-scoring ceiling and a year on Rust, Rakell may currently be the superior player, potentially becoming Crosby’s primary scoring option if Rust is traded.

As the Penguins navigate this pivotal moment in their franchise, the decision to trade Rust could ultimately provide them with the opportunity to land a promising young player or a top-five draft pick. While Rust is a cherished part of the Penguins’ history, sometimes moving forward necessitates letting go of significant pieces from the past. The time for such decisions is now, and Rust may be the first domino to fall in what could be a transformative offseason for Pittsburgh.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.