NHL Rumors: Penguins Sky-High Asking Prices Stalling Trades
The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to dangle key veterans on the trade market, but according to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, general manager Kyle Dubas’ “sky-high” asking prices are preventing any real movement.
While the Penguins remain closer to a fringe playoff team than a true lottery contender, holding onto players like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson could ultimately slow down their rebuild and impact their draft positioning.
3-year average Power Scores, current Cap Hits and differences:
— Benchrates (@benchrates) September 8, 2025
Bryan Rust: $6.47m, $5.125m, +$1.34m
Rickard Rakell: $6m, $5m, +$1m
Erik Karlsson: $7.37m, $10m (given the retention), -$2.63m
Who will be traded this season?#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/NSreLDYYX9
Dubas Holding Firm on Trade Prices
Dubas has made it clear that he wants maximum return for top-six wingers Rust and Rakell, with Karlsson’s situation further complicating matters. Karlsson, who carries a $10 million cap hit and trade protection, still wants to play for a contender, but teams have balked at both the cost and his fit in a rebuild.
By keeping these veterans on the roster, the Penguins are arguably making themselves too competitive to secure a top-five draft pick, which could mean missing out on elite talent in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Top 10 Evgeni Malkin Edits of All Time pic.twitter.com/oZDlBEqEqD
— jo (@genosbest) July 23, 2025
Risk of Delaying the Penguins’ Next Chapter
Kingerski notes that while holding out for extra assets makes sense in theory, it comes with risk.
If Dubas waits too long, the Penguins may end up with lower draft positioning and delayed progress in their rebuild, potentially costing the organization millions in playoff revenue down the line.
Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
