Canadiens Explored Adding Penguins Forward To Marchenko Offer
Friedman said on Monday’s 32 Thoughts Podcast that he heard the Canadiens looked at Rakell while trying to build a deal that would appeal to Columbus.
“I had some people tell me that they thought that when Montreal was trying to add to a Marchenko deal in Columbus, they think that Rakell was one of the guys they were seeing if they could deliver to the Blue Jackets.”
Montreal Never Got Marchenko Across The Line
Friedman said earlier this month that Montreal was the “most active pursuer” all summer, but that the Blue Jackets weren’t thrilled with what the Canadiens put together.
“I just always heard that Columbus wasn’t crazy about what Montreal offered,” Friedman said, adding that “there were some good players in there, but some futures, Columbus didn’t really want futures.”
Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast about Montreal: I had some people tell me that they thought that when Montreal was trying to add to a Marchenko deal in Columbus, they think that Rakell was one of the guys they were seeing if they could deliver to the Blue Jackets. - 10/19 #GoHabsGo #LetsGoPens #CBJ #NHL
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) October 19, 2026
Toronto won the bidding by sending Matthew Knies to Columbus, and Pierre LeBrun reported that Montreal wasn’t willing to give up the young NHL roster players the Blue Jackets wanted.
Rakell’s name had also come up in July, when Friedman said someone thought Rust or Rakell “might be really a good fit in Montreal,” while cautioning, “I have no idea if it’s even possible” and adding that “those guys would have to approve.”
Rakell is off to a brutal start this season, recording no goals and two assists through his first nine games. Last year, he put up 24 goals and 24 assists for 48 points over just 60 games.
Pittsburgh Is Open To Moving Veterans
Friedman said on Saturday’s Headlines that the Penguins are open to moving older veterans for younger assets, and many speculate that Rakell would be near the top of that list for GM Kyle Dubas.
Rakell is 33 and carries a $5 million cap hit in the fifth year of the six-year, $30 million contract he signed in 2022, which runs through 2027-28.
Rickard Rakell has 0 goals and 2 assists through 7 games. Didn't blame the short training camp. "I've been through this 100 times before." Said the chances have been there, and he's getting shots on net. "Just gotta maybe relax a little bit when the chances are coming."
— King Jemison (@king_jemison) October 16, 2026
It was reported in July that Dubas was willing to consider moving veteran players to get younger, and Pittsburgh already traded forward Filip Hallander to Edmonton on October 7 to ease a crowded forward group.
