Pittsburgh Penguins Had Draft-Day Deals Rejected

The Pittsburgh Penguins tried very hard to make a trade at the NHL Draft in Buffalo last month, but Kyle Dubas wasn't able to finalize any moves.

Multiple reports have surfaced stating Dubas tried hard to move up from #22 at the NHL Draft, and despite his efforts, which included some veteran forwards to make it happen, no deal was accepted. Dubas wanted to get into the top-10 of the draft, and many are shocked he wasn't able to pull something off.

Josh Yohe: Re Penguins: There’s little doubt [Kyle Dubas] thought he’d be able to move up in the first round of the draft — maybe trade Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell - The Athletic (7/27)

Rust, 34, has two years left on his contract at $5.1 million AAV, and doesn't own any trade protection. The veteran winger would excel on a contending team's top six, and brings a ton of intangibles to the table, like a very strong work ethic, and leadership skills. Rust scored 29 goals and 65 points in 72 games last season.

Rakell, on the other hand, is 33, and also has two years left on his deal at $5 million AAV. Rakell owns a 8-team no-trade list, and many felt Edmonton was on the list, and Rakell rejected a move to the Oilers earlier this summer. The veteran winger scored 48 points in 60 games last season.

Dubas will be aggressive this year on the trade market, regardless of how well the Penguins play. He's in the midst of retooling his core from his aging vets, and wants to create the new wave of talent in Pittsburgh.