Are The Pittsburgh Penguins Preparing To Become Trade Deadline Sellers?

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain just outside the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Nevertheless, recent media rumblings suggest GM Kyle Dubas is preparing to become a seller by the March 7 trade deadline.

Tristan Jarry's demotion last week to the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton prompted speculation more moves could be afoot in the coming weeks. Rob Rossi of The Athletic reported the Penguins are open to trading the 29-year-old goaltender, but his contract, with its $5.375-million cap hit and 12-team no-trade list, makes that unlikely.

On Monday, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico cited a source close to the Penguins claiming a fire sale of veterans was being planned, with the only untouchables being Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Philip Tomasino and promising defenseman Owen Pickering.

D'Amico's source indicated the Penguins were willing to move players with term remaining on their contracts, provided they get the right players back. Dubas still wants to win with Crosby and Malkin but also build up for the future.

On Tuesday, TSN's Chris Johnston reported Crosby and Malkin were the only players off-limits from trades. He claimed the Penguins wanted to trade older players for younger talent rather than draft picks and prospects.

Related: Opinion: Evgeni Malkin Staying With Penguins Feels Like Mats Sundin Staying With Maple Leafs

D'Amico's source was uncertain about Kris Letang's status. The longtime Penguins defenseman has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and a full no-movement clause until 2026-27.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic wondered if Letang might waive his no-move clause for the right offer. He's never felt it was a certainty the 37-year-old blueliner would finish his career as a Penguin, though he acknowledged he's never asked for a trade.

Former Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson also surfaced in the rumor mill. He has two years left on his contract with the Penguins, carrying $10 million of his $11.5-million annual cap hit. He also has a full no-move clause.

D'Amico believed the Penguins were willing to retain part of Karlsson's salary to facilitate a trade. However, Johnston claimed otherwise, saying they have one salary retention spot left and intend to use it carefully.

Yohe thinks Dubas prefers to hang onto Rickard Rakell, who's on pace for a career-best 70-point campaign with 40 points in 48 games. However, he could move the 31-year-old right winger if he receives an offer that floors him.

On Wednesday, Dubas denied the speculation about a fire sale. He acknowledged his efforts to add younger talent to his roster and replenish his prospect pool but stated he hasn't told other teams that he's trying to move out all his veterans.

Nevertheless, if the Penguins slip further out of playoff contention, they will remain the focus of trade speculation.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.