The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty and anticipation. With a new head coach at the helm and high expectations from a passionate fanbase, every decision made by management could have ripple effects on the team’s future. Among the most talked-about storylines is the fate of Rickard Rakell, a dynamic forward who just wrapped up a career-best season. As rumors swirl and speculation mounts, all eyes are on General Manager Kyle Dubas and his approach to reshaping the Penguins’ roster.

Rakell’s impressive performance has turned heads across the league, making him a hot commodity as teams look to bolster their top-six forwards. Yet, his value to the Penguins goes beyond just points on the scoresheet. With his proven chemistry and ability to contribute in crucial moments, Rakell represents both a valuable asset and a potential risk if moved too hastily. As the Penguins strive to return to playoff contention, the decisions they make this summer—especially regarding key players like Rakell—will be pivotal. The coming months promise drama, debate, and perhaps a few surprises as Pittsburgh navigates one of its most important offseasons in recent memory.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Rickard Rakell lines up for a faceoff

Photo credit: YouTube

The Penguins are going to have a busy offseason, and one of the things on Kyle Dubas’ list is going to be what to do with star player Rickard Rakell.

For much of the last season, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell was the subject of trade rumors. It was understandable, as the Penguins were out of the playoff race pretty early on, while Rakell enjoyed a career year.

In 81 games, he set new career highs with 35 goals and 70 points. Now, as the offseason is about to get underway in full force, the possibility of Rakell getting traded is certainly there.

Teams are always on the hunt for skilled top-six forwards such as Rakell, and his 70-point season certainly makes him an appealing target.

His affordable $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 is also another tantalizing reason teams may chase him.

It is important to note that trading the 2011 first-round pick would also come with risk. The Penguins have just hired Dan Muse as their new coach, so perhaps GM Kyle Dubas would like to play the wait-and-see approach.

Rakell needs some time to play under new head coach Dan Muse

Perhaps Rakell would really thrive under Muse, and trading him away too soon could jeopardize team chemistry. It will be important to give Rakell some time under Muse to see how things go.

The Penguins are hoping to get back to being a playoff team, and trading one of their top star wingers like Rakell could ruin those chances. Rakell is an important part of their top-six group and power play.

The Penguins are not in a position where they need to rush a Rakell trade. He is coming off a lovely season and is locked up at an affordable cap hit. I

It may make more sense for them to keep him as they look to be more competitive again under their new coach. The summer is shaping up to be a very interesting one in Pittsburgh.