Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is open to trading wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell this offseason for the right price, according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe.
In any potential return, Dubas is prioritizing young players who can immediately enter Pittsburgh's lineup rather than picks and prospects, sources told Yohe.
Rust and Rakell were reportedly available last summer as well, but a move never materialized. Both players were essential in helping the Penguins return to the playoffs this season, as Rust registered 65 points in 72 games, while Rakell managed 48 points in 60 appearances.
Rust, 34, is under contract through 2028 at a cap hit of $5.125 million and has no trade protection. He's been a staple in the Penguins' top six for the past decade and is usually deployed on the top line alongside captain Sidney Crosby.
Rakell, 33, is also signed for two more seasons and counts for $5 million annually against the cap. His contract includes an eight-team no-trade list. He's suited up for Pittsburgh since March 2022 and notched career highs of 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25.
The Penguins finished second in the Metropolitan Division this season with 98 points, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers. Pittsburgh has over $37 million in cap space to help facilitate roster improvements, according to PuckPedia.
