The off-season is now officially here, and the Pittsburgh Penguins will certainly be a team to watch closely during it. With the Penguins retooling their roster, there is a good chance that they will be active this summer.
One way that the Penguins could tinker with their roster is through the trade market. A few of their notable players have been the subject of trade speculation this off-season. Thus, let's go over three Penguins who could very well end up being on the move this summer now.
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson has been creating chatter as a trade candidate this summer. It is fair to argue that he could use a fresh start at this juncture, especially when noting that he is 35 years old and still looking to win his first Stanley Cup.
There could be interest in Karlsson this off-season, too, as he is still an impactful offensive defenseman at this stage of his career. In 82 games this season with the Penguins, the 6-foot blueliner recorded 11 goals, 42 assists, and 53 points. A contender out there looking to improve their right side could consider targeting him, especially if they are in need of an offensive defenseman.
The primary obstacle in a potential Karlsson trade, however, is his high salary. Yet, a move could be more possible if the Penguins end up retaining a portion of his cap hit.
Bryan Rust
Bryan Rust is undoubtedly a Penguin to watch this off-season. The veteran forward's full no-movement clause expires on July 1, so the door will soon be open for the Penguins to deal him if they wish to.
Rust's trade value is also heightened right now due to his strong 2024-25 season. He recorded new career highs with 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games, so there are likely plenty of teams out there interested in the 2010 third-round pick. However, he is also signed until 2027-28, so the Penguins are in a position to wait for the right offer.
Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell was the subject of plenty of trade speculation leading up to this year's trade deadline, and he is once again in the rumor mill with the summer here. Teams looking for a top-six forward who can play both on the wing and down the middle would likely love to get their hands on Rakell.
Like Rust, Rakell has improved his value, as he had an excellent season in 2024-25. In 81 games, he set new career highs with 35 goals and 70 points. He also has an affordable $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season, so the Penguins could get a lot for him in a potential trade.
Penguins Rumors: 3 Teams Who Could Sign Matt Grzelcyk
The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> are entering the off-season with multiple pending free agents, and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is the most notable. The Massachusetts native will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1 if the Penguins do not re-sign him by then.
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