Value of: Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust

[BKarchitect]

Rust is a good player but if I’m an acquiring team he’s the guy I’d be worried about age and a fall off. However his name and rep might net him more than we expect in a trade.

Meanwhile Rakell is a f***ing beast. I understand he shot a higher SH% but even if he reverts to 25g guy he has been a beast on the boards, physical, great possession guy below the net, skilled. Can pass or snipe. Really the only thing you can’t say about him is that he’s a burner.

Forgetting production if he plays like he has when healthy in Pittsburgh he’s a hell of a player and really getting underrated compared to his reputation. I wonder if he’d net as much in a trade as I think he’s worth (two good pieces.. equivalent of two 1sts). I think probably not which is a shame.

Agreed 100%. Rust may get more interest with his name and counting stat totals over the years but Rakell would be the guy I want if I’m another team.

 

[DrDangles]

Rust would be much more difficult to move with his full NMC, although I think he would be a phenomenal fit in Edmonton. Raks only has an 8 team NTC and I believe would have more value around the league.

The idea the Pens would have to retain on either to have value is laughable. These guys are signed to team friendly deals until they're 35, not 40 lmao. I think the team should be looking at some retention for the purpose of maximizing the return, but even without retention their value starts at a 1st + a good prospect or a recent 1st rounder + smaller pieces/picks.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Rust would be much more difficult to move with his full NMC, although I think he would be a phenomenal fit in Edmonton. Raks only has an 8 team NTC and I believe would have more value around the league.

The idea the Pens would have to retain on either to have value is laughable. These guys are signed to team friendly deals until they're 35, not 40 lmao. I think the team should be looking at some retention for the purpose of maximizing the return, but even without retention their value starts at a 1st + a good prospect or a recent 1st rounder + smaller pieces/picks.

For the record, Rust's NMC goes away on July 1st and then he has no trade protection at all.

 

[RussianBum86]

The Penguins considered dealing Rakell at the TDL but passed. Rust had trade restrictions but those expire July 1st. Pens want to get younger in order to rebuild on the fly before Sid retires. Prefer prospects or young players to picks. LHD and Cs preferred but all positions but goal are needed in some capacity. Willing to package either of these players with our own picks for the right deal. Pens own 1sts, NYR pick we own are likely off limits, but any of the many 2nds we have as well as any late firsts we might acquire in other deals (see Karlsson, Erik) are fair game.

Rickard Rakell
32yo RHS winger
3 years remaining at 5m/per
8 team no trade list
Coming off a 35g/35a season, averaging 0.72ppg last three years

Bryan Rust
32yo RHS winger
3 years remaining at 5.125m/per
No trade restrictions after July 1st
Coming off a 31g/34a season, averaging 0.78ppg last three years

Howard +sheary for rackell?

 

[SEALBound]

Detroit could use at least one. Preferably Rakell.

Wallinder + 2nd in 2025 and 4th in 2026?

I think that's right in line with what we'd see and what Dubas would want back.

I may even be selling him a bit short but I'd do it.

ETA: Upon additional consideration, I'm walking back what I said. I'm not sure Wallinder is the blue chip he may have once been. I'm leaning toward something like: Rakell+2nd/3rd+/prospect for Wallander+2025 1st.

Howard +sheary for rackell?

That might be a bit light for Rakell. Sheary is a rough sell for me because we have soooo many bottom 6 non impact players on the roster - Lizotte, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen...maybe if you make one of them we can start a better discussion.

 

[DesertPenguin]

I think that's right in line with what we'd see and what Dubas would want back.

I may even be selling him a bit short but I'd do it.

ETA: Upon additional consideration, I'm walking back what I said. I'm not sure Wallinder is the blue chip he may have once been. I'm leaning toward something like: Rakell+2nd/3rd+/prospect for Wallander+2025 1st.



That might be a bit light for Rakell. Sheary is a rough sell for me because we have soooo many bottom 6 non impact players on the roster - Lizotte, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen...maybe if you make one of them we can start a better discussion.

Yeah Sheary is a cap dump, so I'd want something back. I'd do Rakell for Howard, Sheary and a 2nd, or Rakell for Howard and a 3rd.

 

[pth2]

I could see Montreal looking at Rakell.

Not sure of an adequate return.

 

[Gurglesons]

I could see Montreal looking at Rakell.

Not sure of an adequate return.

Top ten protected 2026 1st + Roy

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Howard +sheary for rackell?

Uh no

 

[RussianBum86]

Uh no

Sheary is UFA at end of season could easily dump him for nothing TBL or the Pitt or waive him oay him 900k. Howard for Rakell straight up?

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Sheary is UFA at end of season could easily dump him for nothing TBL or the Pitt or waive him oay him 900k. Howard for Rakell straight up?

Honestly, its not really close.

Rakell's coming off a 35 goal, 70 point season and is on a bargain deal for 3 years. Tampa has the offensive talent to help him maintain those kinds of numbers. He does all the little things right at both ends, plays both wings equally well, and can even play center in a pinch.

Howard's a good start but because TBL doesn't have another 1st until 2028 it'd have to include another quality roster player like Paul or Geekie.

 

[RussianBum86]

Honestly, its not really close.

Rakell's coming off a 35 goal, 70 point season and is on a bargain deal for 3 years. Tampa has the offensive talent to help him maintain those kinds of numbers. He does all the little things right at both ends, plays both wings equally well, and can even play center in a pinch.

Howard's a good start but because TBL doesn't have another 1st until 2028 it'd have to include another quality roster player like Paul or Geekie.

Got you. Good luck getting that for a player his age in offseason, but the value isn't far off for a TDL price not offseason price. Pitt could get a lot more waiting to TDL. I always liked his game.

 

[Gurglesons]

I’d do Rakell for Howard.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Got you. Good luck getting that for a player his age in offseason, but the value isn't far off for a TDL price not offseason price. Pitt could get a lot more waiting to TDL. I always liked his game.

Yeah, Pittsburgh shouldn't be in a rush to deal Rakell if the deal isn't right. He's in a great position to keep up his production.

TBL would probably love to get a late 1st for Howard at this point. Rakell is worth substantially more than that.

 

[SmokeyDuck]

I'd swap one for Gibson. We need a top six and a right shot on forward. We have some other pieces too though I dont think I would give up a premium asset if that is what it takes.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

I'd swap one for Gibson. We need a top six and a right shot on forward. We have some other pieces too though I dont think I would give up a premium asset if that is what it takes.

We're more in futures mode now, unfortunately. The time of the Crosby era Pens giving up prime assets for a 30+ goalie is over.

 

[chethejet]

Dubas doesn't have to move anyone, but I do think Karlsson will be the one player most likely to be moved. No question Buffalo or Ottawa need a RD high end offensive D. Pens will not retain on Rust or Rakell with those good contracts nor should they. Karlsson with say 2 million per is still a very attractive AAV at 8 million with the total salary of 9,5 million net next 2 years.

 

[The Old Master]

But it wouldn't surprise me if the rangers make an offer for him in the off-season. Sullivan loves the guy, it wouldn't surprise me if Sullivan slept with a little number 17 teddy bear at night or calls his wife "Rusty" during sex.

rust to the rags for this year's 1st, if the right players are there.
edit; they would need to do it as a player to be named later because his no-trade doesn't end till after the draft.