Penguins Rumors: Pittsburgh Sets Sky-High Asking Price For Bryan Rust & Rickard Rakell

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust skates with the puck during 2025 game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are open for business, but general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t letting go of his top wingers without a serious return. 

According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the team has set a “sky-high” asking price for Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, banking on their strong 2024-25 performances and the scarcity of top-six forwards on the market.

Penguins Demand Premium Trade Packages for Rust and Rakell

Rust, who scored a career-high 31 goals last season, is reportedly valued at a guaranteed first-round pick and a young player capable of filling his role within a year or two. Kingerski emphasized Rust’s intangibles (leadership, consistency, and Stanley Cup experience) as factors that could push a playoff bubble team over the edge. 

Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and Ottawa Senators have all been linked as possible suitors.

Rakell, meanwhile, rebounded from a sluggish 2023-24 to post 35 goals and 35 assists this past season. Dubas is seeking a package that includes a B+ prospect or young NHL player, a draft pick between 25th and 48th overall, and potentially a depth piece. 

Though Rakell’s value doesn’t match Rust’s due to past inconsistency, his $5 million cap hit and positional versatility make him an attractive asset.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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