2. Rickard Rakell
Pittsburgh Penguins
This one really tests the theory that we're looking for the right price for a rental. The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to get high prices for their assets, and Rickard Rakell is turning into found money. They traded for him three years ago for Zach Aston-Reese, Dominik Simon, and a second-round pick. It’s not exactly a huge price for a young forward who had term.
Now, the Penguins are going to ask for much more for Rakell at the deadline. He’s on pace for his first 30-goal season since 2018. At this point in the season, he has 25 goals and 23 assists in 56 games. He’s averaging 19 minutes a game, so he has this capability to thrive in a top-six role. He’s having an incredible season, and he might be worth the price the Penguins demand.
The real issue is his playoff experience. He got some experience with the Ducks, but he’s played less than 20 minutes in the postseason since 2018. He has this one amazing postseason (13 points in 15 games in 2017), but the rest of his experience is less than ideal.
Still, we have to look at the player now, and Rakell fits too well into the Devils lineup. He would immediately play next to Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes, and he would provide the scoring that the line desperately needed. What would it cost? Probably an uncomfortable package, but if the Devils are truly trying to be a contender, they have to leave their comfort zone.