Bruins Should Consider Making Big Push For Penguins Star

michael derosa

Wed, Jan 22, 2025, 6:11 p.m.·2 min read

On the latest episode of TSN Insider Trading, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins are open to moving several of their players.

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"Well, certainly, [the Penguins are] adopting the posture of a team that's going to be shipping out some players between now and March 7th. What the Penguins are telling rival teams at this point is that, 'Okay, Crosby, obviously off the table.' Some of the other legacy players, like an Evgeni Malkin, [are] in the same spot. But beyond that, there really aren't any untouchables on that Penguins roster."

It is understandable that the Penguins are open to making changes to their roster. At this point of the season, they have a 20-21-8 record and have won just three out of their last 10 games.

The Boston Bruins need help on offense, so they should consider watching the Penguins. When looking at the Penguins' roster, one specific player the Bruins should strongly consider inquiring about is winger Rickard Rakell.

Rickard Rakell <p>© Tim Fuller-Imagn Images</p> — Rickard Rakell
© Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

While the Penguins are having a tough season, Rakell certainly is not. In 48 games, the 31-year-old winger has a team-leading 23 goals and is second on the club with 40 points. With numbers like these, Rakell could be a great player to help fill Boston's clear hole at the second-line right wing position after the loss of Jake DeBrusk.

The Bruins would also have the potential to improve their power play by adding Rakell and his offensive skill to it. At this point of the season, Rakell has five power-play goals and 11 power-play points. The only Bruin with more points on the power play than Rakell is David Pastrnak, who has 12.

Rickard Rakell<p>© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images</p> — Rickard Rakell
© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Another appealing factor about Rakell is that he would be more than a rental for the Bruins if acquired. He is signed until the end of the 2027-28 season and has a $5 million cap hit.

Ultimately, the Bruins need help in their top six, and Rakell could be an excellent addition.

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