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Rickard Rakell could become an intriguing trade option for the Chicago Blackhawks as the Pittsburgh Penguins consider major roster changes. In his November 9 NHL Rumor Roundup for The Hockey News, Lyle Richardson identified Rakell among Pittsburgh’s potential trade candidates and highlighted Chicago’s search for offensive reinforcements.
Richardson also referenced Chicago Hockey Now’s Jack Bushman, who included Rakell among several potential Blackhawks targets. The connection is speculative; neither reporter confirmed an active Chicago-Pittsburgh negotiation involving Rakell.
I’ve tracked NHL trade rumors, roster construction and salary-cap developments for NHLTradeRumor.com since February 2010. What stands out to me is the possibility of two struggling organizations addressing very different needs in one transaction: Chicago acquiring scoring help for Connor Bedard while Pittsburgh accumulates assets for its next competitive window.
Rickard Rakell Trade Rumors: Why Chicago Is Watching Pittsburgh
According to Richardson, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently identified Pittsburgh and Chicago as two teams worth monitoring in the trade market.
The Penguins want to become younger and faster. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have been aggressively exploring ways to improve their forward group.
Richardson cited Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, who listed Rakell, Bryan Rust, Erik Karlsson and several other veterans among Pittsburgh’s potential trade candidates.
Chicago’s situation creates an interesting possible match.
Frank Seravalli previously reported that Chicago was seeking a shoot-first winger with size, according to the reporting Richardson summarized. At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, Rakell fits much of that profile.
The 33-year-old scored 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25, followed by 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games last season. Through 18 games in 2026-27, he has six goals and 10 points.
That production gives general manager Kyle Davidson a reason to investigate.
As covered in our recent Connor Bedard trade-market report, Chicago owns three first-round selections and two second-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Mock Trade: Rickard Rakell to Chicago Blackhawks
Here’s a trade framework I would consider. This is an original hypothetical proposal, not an offer reported by Richardson, Friedman or either franchise.
| Team Receives | Asset | Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Rickard Rakell, RW/LW | $5,000,000 |
| Pittsburgh | Andrew Mangiapane, LW/RW | $3,600,000 |
| Pittsburgh | Vancouver’s 2027 second-round pick (held by Chicago) | $0 |
No retained salary. This is a simplified annualized cap calculation; actual transaction accounting depends on the trade date, roster adjustments, bonuses and applicable trade protection.
Can Chicago Fit Rickard Rakell’s $5 Million Contract Under the Salary Cap?
Rakell is signed through the 2027-28 season at a $5 million annual cap hit, after which he can become an unrestricted free agent.
According to PuckPedia, Chicago currently has approximately $2.40 million in cap space, with $1.89 million in projected space. Pittsburgh has approximately $8.17 million current and $6.44 million projected.
Trading Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit for Rakell’s $5 million would add $1.4 million in annual commitments for Chicago. That leaves approximately $998,000 in current room and $491,000 in projected room, before other adjustments.
The Penguins would reduce their annual commitments by the same $1.4 million.
But both players have trade protection. Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, while Mangiapane’s modified clause requires consideration of his five-team approved list. Player approval could prevent the transaction regardless of cap space.
Why Rickard Rakell Makes Sense for Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks
Chicago’s biggest issue isn’t a lack of promising young forwards. It’s finding enough established scoring talent to support them.
Bedard is developing into the offensive centerpiece Chicago envisioned. Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov and Oliver Moore represent additional upside, but expecting every young player to become an impact scorer immediately is unrealistic.
Rakell offers a right-handed shot, a proven scoring history and experience playing with high-end offensive centres.
My hypothetical forward combinations following the trade would be:
Line 1: Tyler Bertuzzi — Connor Bedard — Rickard Rakell
Line 2: Roman Kantserov — Anton Frondell — Teuvo Teräväinen
Line 3: Oliver Moore — Frank Nazar — Ryan Donato
These are projections for analysis, not reported practice lines.
Rakell could serve as the primary shooting option beside Bedard, allowing Chicago’s young centre to create plays while Bertuzzi provides a physical presence around the net.
The downside? Rakell will turn 35 during the final season of his contract. Chicago must decide whether his immediate scoring is worth the risk of declining production.
What Pittsburgh Wants in a Rickard Rakell Trade
The Penguins are caught between trying to remain competitive and preparing their next core.
General manager Kyle Dubas has an opportunity to move selected veterans for draft capital while creating financial flexibility.
Mangiapane, 30, is younger than Rakell and becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. Pittsburgh could use him as a shorter-term lineup option or potentially explore another trade later.
But the real rebuilding asset is Vancouver’s 2027 second-round pick.
Chicago’s extra selections offer flexibility, although I would strongly advise Davidson against including his own 2027 first-round pick for a 33-year-old winger.
Historical NHL Trade Comparison: What Did Rakell Cost in 2022?
When Pittsburgh acquired Rakell from Anaheim in March 2022, the Ducks received Zach Aston-Reese, Dominik Simon, goaltending prospect Calle Clang and a second-round pick.
Anaheim also retained 35% of Rakell’s salary in that transaction.
That deal was effectively a rental acquisition. Rakell now has an additional season of contractual control after 2026-27, which may increase his value, but he’s also significantly older.
My proposed package is a starting point, not a guaranteed winning bid. Pittsburgh could reasonably demand another prospect or draft asset if several teams pursue Rakell.
For more context, read our Oliver Moore trade analysis and our Teuvo Teräväinen trade report.
Rickard Rakell Trade Rumor Meter: How Likely Is Chicago?
My assessment: Rakell is a plausible fit for Chicago, but there is no confirmed negotiation. Player trade protection, Pittsburgh’s asking price and Chicago’s rebuild timeline make the specific move unlikely. This is my editorial rating, not a statistical probability.
Rob Ellis: My Final Prediction on the Rickard Rakell Trade Rumors
I believe Pittsburgh will seriously consider offers for Rakell if the return helps its long-term roster construction.
Chicago has a legitimate reason to call Kyle Dubas. Rakell could immediately improve Bedard’s offensive support without requiring a massive salary-cap overhaul.
However, I wouldn’t pay a first-round pick or surrender one of Chicago’s elite young prospects to make this happen.
My prediction: Rakell remains a credible Blackhawks trade option, but I give a completed Chicago deal only a 3/10 likelihood based on the available information. Another team could offer Pittsburgh a more attractive package.
Follow our Chicago Blackhawks trade rumors and Pittsburgh Penguins news for further developments.
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