Pittsburgh Penguins: The High Price of Patience with Rakell and Rust

September 16, 2025

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Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins skating during a game, representing the team's current trade dilemma. — The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a standoff with Rakell and Rust. Will Dubas's high asking price pay off or will this gamble backfire on the team?

As the crisp autumn air signals the start of another NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a familiar yet unsettling position. Training camps are on the horizon, yet two key players, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, remain on the roster despite a summer filled with trade speculation. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, the presence of these veteran forwards raises a crucial question: is this a calculated move by GM Kyle Dubas, or a missed opportunity?

The rumor mill has been churning all offseason, with both Rakell and Rust as the primary subjects of trade talks. It’s no secret that the Penguins are looking to get younger and build for the future, and moving two players in their early 30s with contracts extending to 2027-28 seems like a logical step. So, why are they still here? The answer, it seems, lies in the high price tag Dubas has placed on them. He’s not just looking to offload salary; he’s aiming for a significant return that will accelerate the Penguins’ rebuild.

What is the Asking Price for the Penguins’ Forwards?

Rumors suggest that Dubas is holding out for a first-round pick and a top-tier prospect or a young, NHL-ready player. This is a steep price, and one that most teams have been unwilling to meet, especially in a flat-cap era. But with both players signed long-term, Dubas can afford to be patient.

He’s not in a position where he has to make a move right now. This is a high-stakes game of chicken, and it’s unclear who will blink first. Will a contending team get desperate and meet his demands, or will the Penguins be forced to lower their asking price as the NHL trade deadline approaches?

The Inevitable Trade Deadline Decision

While Rakell and Rust may be Penguins for now, it’s highly unlikely they will both be here for the long haul. The March 2026 trade deadline looms large, and it’s more than likely that one or both will be moved by then.

As the season progresses, injuries and a desire to make a deep playoff run will undoubtedly increase their value. For now, Penguins fans are left to wonder and wait. The team’s future hinges on the return they get for these two talented, yet aging, forwards.