NHL Rumors: More Moves Coming For The Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are bracing for more big changes as their 7-10-3 start to the season has exposed major flaws in the roster, according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe. 

After trading Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals, the Penguins remain firmly in “sell mode,” with defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Rickard Rakell among the most likely trade candidates ahead of the March 7 deadline. 

Pettersson, set to become a free agent next summer, has reportedly drawn interest from the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks and is “as good as gone,” Yohe writes. 

Rakell, a top-six winger with a $5 million AAV through 2027-28, could also be moved, though his contract may require salary retention to facilitate a deal.

Sidney Crosby feeds it right through the legs of Victor Hedman to Rickard Rakell for a PERFECT one-t 🎯 pic.twitter.com/QPH8x30Qq6

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 20, 2024

General Manager Kyle Dubas faces the challenge of reshaping the roster while balancing the remaining competitive years of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. 

While moving players like Ryan Graves, Tristan Jarry, and Erik Karlsson has been considered, their underperformance and hefty contracts pose significant barriers. 

Veteran defenseman Kris Letang, despite his $6.1 million AAV and full no-movement clause, could also be an option, though Yohe notes such a trade remains unlikely. 

Depth players like Noel Acciari, Anthony Beauvillier, and Blake Lizotte are expected to generate mid-tier returns, offering more realistic paths to clear cap space and replenish the prospect pool.

Evgeni Malkin had a 500th career goal recognition ceremony prior to tonight's game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eOSBuiN2zS

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 14, 2024

“The roster is flawed. The contracts are flawed. Even the coaching staff has become flawed,” Yohe states, as the Penguins grapple with their first major roster overhaul of the Crosby era. 

With the team’s playoff hopes dwindling and a need to address issues in goaltending, defense, and secondary scoring, management appears ready to embrace change. 

Yohe emphasizes the urgency of the situation, writing that the Penguins must “step back this season to move forward,” even if it means sacrificing short-term success for long-term stability.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images