NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins' Rickard Rakell Linked To Atlantic Division Team

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 ,
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell celebrates goal in 2025 game.

The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly making a strong push to trade for Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell as they search for a scoring upgrade. 

With most marquee free agents already signed, Detroit is expected to explore the trade market, and Rakell has emerged as one of their prime targets. Penguins' insider Dan Kingerski believes the fit between Rakell and Detroit is “too perfect,” especially given the team’s need for a proven top-six winger.

Rakell Prime Target for Detroit

Rakell is coming off a bounce-back season with 35 goals and 70 points in 81 games. He’s got three years left on his six-year, $30 million deal, carrying a manageable $5 million cap hit. That kind of production and cost certainty makes him a rare commodity, especially now that the UFA market has dried up. 

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is reportedly open to trading either Rakell or Bryan Rust as part of Pittsburgh’s rebuild, and the Red Wings have the cap space, picks, and prospects to make a move happen.

Rakell coming off strong season

General manager Steve Yzerman made it clear this offseason that the Red Wings still need an impact forward and a top-four defenseman. Despite acquiring goalie John Gibson and extending Patrick Kane, Detroit’s top-six remains thin, as Elmer Soderblom and James van Riemsdyk aren’t long-term solutions. 

Pairing Rakell with Dylan Larkin or Marco Kasper would immediately boost Detroit’s offense and could be the kind of trade that finally pushes the Red Wings out of their playoff drought. With over $12 million in cap space and pressure mounting, Yzerman may be ready to pull the trigger.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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