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Steve Staios is searching for offensive help, and one of the more intriguing potential solutions for the Ottawa Senators could be sitting on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster.
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, Staios has been exploring the NHL trade market for another scoring forward. The timing is significant. Ottawa has already lost William Eklund to a long-term ankle injury, and Warren Foegele is now expected to miss an extended period following Tuesday’s loss to Vegas.
That brings Pittsburgh’s Rickard Rakell into the conversation.
The 33-year-old winger scored 35 goals two seasons ago and followed that with 24 goals in 60 games last year. Pittsburgh has reportedly been willing to listen to offers for Rakell, and his ability to play either wing makes him a logical player for Ottawa to investigate.
Here’s the catch: Rakell carries a $5 million salary-cap hit through 2027-28, while Ottawa has considerably less than that available.
There is no confirmed trade offer between the Senators and Penguins involving Rakell. But the combination of Ottawa’s immediate need and Pittsburgh’s potential willingness to move a veteran creates a fascinating trade possibility.
Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: Steve Staios Is Looking for More Offense
The latest developments suggest Ottawa’s front office is not content simply waiting for its injured players to return.
Garrioch reported on October 28 that Staios has been making calls around the league to find another forward capable of contributing offensively.
David Pagnotta’s The Fourth Period followed October 29 with additional reporting that identified Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust as possible Pittsburgh players Ottawa could consider.
That doesn’t mean negotiations are underway. But it establishes something important: Ottawa is investigating the market, and Pittsburgh has veterans who may be available.
The Senators entered Thursday with an 8-5-0 record. That’s hardly a team in crisis, but the offensive concerns are real.
Ottawa scored only once in its 4-1 loss to Vegas on October 27. More importantly, the club has been forced to deal with injuries to forwards who were expected to provide scoring depth.
Eklund’s ankle injury removed a potential top-six offensive weapon. Foegele’s extended absence puts additional pressure on the bottom half of the lineup.
Head coach Travis Green still has high-end talent, including Tim Stützle, Dylan Cozens, Shane Pinto and Drake Batherson. The question is whether Ottawa has enough dependable scoring on the wings to support that group.
My assessment: The Senators don’t necessarily need another superstar. They need someone who can finish chances, survive difficult matchups and move between the second and third lines without compromising their defensive structure.
That’s what makes Rakell an interesting possibility.
Why Rickard Rakell Makes Sense for the Ottawa Senators
Rakell isn’t the type of player who will carry a franchise offensively. At 33, he’s a veteran complementary scorer, but there’s still value in that description.
He scored 35 goals and finished with 70 points in 81 games during the 2024-25 season.
A year later, he contributed 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games.
Those aren’t insignificant numbers. Over those two seasons, Rakell produced 59 goals in 141 games, approximately 0.42 goals per game.
That’s the level of finishing Ottawa is missing when its lineup is healthy, let alone with Eklund and Foegele unavailable.
The Penguins winger has experienced a slower opening to 2026-27, recording two goals and five points through 12 games. His shooting percentage has also fallen to 6.7%, compared with 14.5% last season.
Twelve games aren’t enough to establish a permanent decline, but they’re enough to warrant some caution.
Where Would Rickard Rakell Fit in Ottawa’s Lineup?
The most appealing part of Rakell’s game is his flexibility.
He shoots right-handed, can play either wing and has experience alongside elite offensive players.
I would initially look at Rakell alongside Dylan Cozens or Shane Pinto rather than assume he belongs immediately with Tim Stützle.
Cozens could benefit from another winger capable of creating offense off the rush, while Pinto’s two-way reliability might allow Rakell to concentrate on generating scoring chances.
Ottawa could also experiment with Rakell alongside Stützle when additional finishing ability is required.
The trick is finding a combination that improves Ottawa’s five-on-five offense without taking away too much defensive responsibility.
Rakell is most effective as a complementary piece, not a player expected to manufacture every scoring opportunity himself.
NHLTR analysis: Ottawa should be buying a proven scoring skill set, not paying a premium based exclusively on Rakell’s 35-goal season.
Is Rickard Rakell’s Scoring Declining?
His recent production shows why Ottawa should weigh proven finishing ability against current form.
Bars use a 0.50 goals-per-game scale. Current season: only 12 games. Source: PuckPedia, October 29, 2026.
Pittsburgh Penguins Could Hold the Key to Ottawa’s Next Trade
Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas has been willing to discuss several veteran players while evaluating the organization’s longer-term direction.
According to The Fourth Period on October 19, both Rakell and Bryan Rust have attracted interest from other NHL teams.
Rakell also has an eight-team no-trade list, which could affect any potential transaction.
The Penguins aren’t obligated to trade him. They can wait for stronger offers, particularly from teams that develop scoring problems as the season progresses.
However, there’s another detail worth examining.
During Ottawa’s 2026 draft, Pittsburgh reportedly contacted Staios about a proposal involving an unidentified Penguins roster player.
That information emerged from behind-the-scenes draft footage discussed by The Hockey News in August.
Rakell was suggested as one possible identity, but that was speculation rather than confirmation.
The earlier contact is interesting because it demonstrates the two organizations have previously discussed roster-related trade possibilities.
It does not prove Rakell was involved or that discussions have resumed.
For Ottawa, the attraction is obvious. Pittsburgh has an established winger who might become available without the Senators surrendering a centerpiece of their young core.
For Pittsburgh, the motivation would be different: acquire younger assets while creating more opportunities for its developing players.
Can the Ottawa Senators Afford Rickard Rakell’s $5 Million Contract?
This is where the trade becomes complicated.
Rakell is signed through the 2027-28 season at a $5 million annual cap hit.
The Fourth Period reported Ottawa had just over $3.5 million in cap space on October 29. PuckPedia’s separate cap tracker showed approximately $2.70 million in current cap space when checked for this analysis.
Because cap calculations depend on roster status, timing and projected versus current space, neither figure should be treated as a guaranteed amount available for a completed trade.
Using the $2.70 million PuckPedia snapshot, Ottawa would have a shortfall of approximately $2.30 million against Rakell’s full annualized cap hit.
If Pittsburgh retained 25% of the contract, Rakell’s incoming cap charge would fall to $3.75 million. Ottawa would still need roughly $1.05 million in additional room.
With 50% retained, the annualized charge would drop to $2.5 million, narrowly fitting within that snapshot.
The problem? Pittsburgh would be retaining money for this season and next, potentially demanding greater compensation to justify the commitment.
Can Ottawa Afford Rickard Rakell?
Adjust Pittsburgh’s retained salary to model Rakell’s annualized cap charge in Ottawa.
Uses Ottawa current cap space of $2,701,727, sourced from PuckPedia on October 29, 2026. Annualized illustration only. Actual trade-day calculations may differ because of accrual, roster movements, LTIR and bonuses.
I wouldn’t expect Dubas to absorb half of Rakell’s contract for a marginal return.
The more practical solution could involve Ottawa sending salary the other way, Pittsburgh retaining a smaller percentage, or Staios waiting until later in the season when the cap situation becomes more favourable.
That’s why the financial side matters just as much as the trade package.
What Would Ottawa Have to Trade for Rickard Rakell?
It’s tempting to build a blockbuster package every time a proven scorer appears in NHL trade speculation.
I don’t think Ottawa should approach Rakell that way.
The Senators have already made significant roster changes to remain competitive. Surrendering another premium young asset for a 33-year-old winger would carry considerable risk.
If I were constructing an opening offer, I’d explore a combination built around a future draft pick and a prospect outside Ottawa’s highest-value development group.
A salary-offsetting roster player could also be discussed, although Pittsburgh would need a reason to accept that contract.
The precise return would depend heavily on whether Dubas retained salary.
Without retention, Ottawa assumes more financial responsibility and should expect to pay less in assets.
With substantial retention, Pittsburgh provides additional value and would reasonably seek a stronger package.
This isn’t a verified asking price. It’s my assessment of how the two sides might structure negotiations.
NHLTR Trade Value Index: Is Rakell Worth the Risk?
Rakell’s offensive track record makes him appealing, but his age, contract and potential acquisition cost prevent this from being an obvious move.
My trade-fit model gives the potential Ottawa acquisition a provisional score of 6.0 out of 10.
That reflects a strong offensive and roster fit, offset by salary-cap limitations and uncertainty over the price Pittsburgh would demand.
Rickard Rakell to Ottawa: Is It Worth It?
Formula: (8 × .30) + (8 × .25) + (3 × .25) + (4 × .20) = 5.95, rounded to 6.0. Independent NHLTR editorial model, not a verified trade price or probability.
For Ottawa, the best trade isn’t necessarily the biggest one. It’s the move that increases scoring depth without creating another expensive problem next summer.
Should Steve Staios Make the Move Now or Wait?
There’s an argument for acting quickly.
Eklund isn’t expected back soon, Foegele’s injury adds uncertainty, and every lost opportunity to collect points matters in the Atlantic Division.
Acquiring Rakell now would give him time to establish chemistry with Ottawa’s centres and potentially contribute well before the trade deadline.
But there’s also a strong case for patience.
Pittsburgh might ask for more than Staios wants to surrender. Other trade options could emerge as the season progresses. And Ottawa must protect enough flexibility to address additional injuries or lineup needs.
My preference would be to investigate Rakell aggressively without becoming attached to the idea of acquiring him.
If Pittsburgh is willing to retain a reasonable amount of salary and accept a manageable return, the deal deserves serious consideration.
If the Penguins demand a first-round pick or an important young player, I’d look elsewhere.
What Happens Next With Ottawa and Pittsburgh?
There are three developments worth monitoring.
First, whether Staios continues making calls as Ottawa deals with its forward injuries.
Second, whether Dubas becomes more aggressive in discussing Rakell and other veterans.
And third, whether additional reporting establishes a direct connection between the Senators and the Penguins winger.
Until that happens, this is a potential trade fit rather than a confirmed negotiation.
Still, it makes sense for both teams to explore their options.
Ottawa needs more reliable scoring. Pittsburgh has an experienced winger who can provide it.
The biggest question isn’t whether Rickard Rakell could help the Senators.
It’s whether Steve Staios can acquire him without sacrificing the flexibility Ottawa needs for the rest of the season.
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