The Penguins could sell off forward Rickard Rakell this offseason.

PITTSBURGH -- There is no denying that the Pittsburgh Penguins have limited assets to use for trades this summer. The combination of albatross contracts and desperately needed draft picks places the Pens in a problematic situation. 

One name they can kick tires on this summer is forward Rickard Rakell. Rakell is looking to move forward after one of the more difficult seasons of his career. He posted a meager 15 goals and 37 points over 70 games. 

Rakell was also severely hampered by injuries, which seemed to affect his play even after his return to the lineup. He went through two horrendous scoreless stretches of 12 and 17 games. 

With a full offseason of rehabbing and training, there's all the reason to believe Rakell will bounce back in 2024-25. But what if he doesn't? With a contract running through the 2027-28 season at a cap hit of $5 million, should the Penguins move on regardless? If they do, here are a few teams the Penguins should call regarding Rakell.

1. Chicago Blackhawks

If the Penguins are serious about trading Rickard Rakell, they need to call a team like Chicago first. Focusing on teams with young cores would be ideal for the Pens because they are likelier to have the cap space to take on Rakell's contract. 

The Blackhawks certainly need improvements in every position as they look to take another step forward in year two of Connor Bedard. Rakell is a smart player who has had success with highly skilled centermen like Ryan Getzlaf and Sidney Crosby, so it's a fair assumption to think he could also find that chemistry with Bedard. 

2. Buffalo Sabres

When will Buffalo finally take the next step and make the playoffs in the Atlantic Division? Perhaps adding a veteran scorer like Rickard Rakell could be the determining factor. They have some expiring contracts with Viktor Olofsson and Tyson Jost that could further create a need for another top-six player. 

If they are interested, the Sabres and Penguins could easily work out a deal. The Sabres have an excess of young defensemen in the NHL and developing, an area of need for the Pens. 

3. Calgary Flames

A dark horse in any trade talks for the Penguins is the Calgary Flames. They are in a similar position to Pittsburgh in that they are a team on the borderline between re-tooling and rebuilding. The Flames have some big contracts devoted to players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Jakob Markstrom, so they may feel obligated to try to win for them.

Which could make them a possible trade partner for Rakell. They could certainly use another 20-30 goal scorer in pursuit of the postseason, but does a player like Rakell move the needle for a team on the edge of irrelevancy?

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Projecting Marcus Pettersson's Next Penguins Contract

Penguins AHL Defenseman Signs Contract in KHL

Bubble Penguins: Who's Staying, Who's Going?

Former Penguins To Meet in Stanley Cup Final

Penguins Top Prospect Wins Coveted CHL Award

• undefined