Check out the latest on the Penguins and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SHOULD THE PENGUINS TRADE RICKARD RAKELL OR REILLY SMITH?
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that one reason behind the Penguins’ struggles this season was a lack of production from winger Rickard Rakell and Reilly Smith.
Some suggest the Penguins should attempt to trade Rakell this summer. However, Kingerski pointed out that the 28-year-old winger played most of the season wearing a shoulder brace. He also noted Rakell when healthy tallied 28 goals and 60 points in 2022-23. Trading him would create a need for a higher-priced option plus he’s shown he plays well skating alongside Evgeni Malkin.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (NHL Images).
Kingerski instead puts Smith at the top of his Penguins trade list. He noted the 33-year-old winger denied rumors he was unhappy playing in Pittsburgh. However, his production declined and he was relegated to third-line duty.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sometimes acquiring a player who seems like a good fit doesn’t work out as hoped. If there’s a market for Smith it would be worth exploring it.
It’s rumored Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas explored moving Smith at the trade deadline but didn’t find any takers because he wasn’t on an expiring contract. With one season left on his deal and a cap hit of $5 million, he could draw more interest in the offseason trade market.
WHO COULD THE DEVILS TARGET TO ADD MORE GRIT?
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils need more grit on their forward lines for next season.
Nichols suggested Utah’s Lawson Crouse, Seattle’s Eeli Tolvanen and Florida’s Sam Bennett as possible trade targets.
Crouse signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract two years ago with the Arizona Coyotes. Nichols wondered if the 26-year-old winger would be happy with the move to Utah.
Kraken GM Ron Francis cited a potential roster overhaul this summer. That could mean the 25-year-old Tolvanen could be available. He’s a restricted free agent completing a three-year deal with a $1.45 million cap hit.
Bennett could become a cost-cutting casualty for the Panthers. High-scoring forward Sam Reinhart is slated to become an unrestricted free agent unless he and the Panthers agree to a new contract before July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t hurt to look into the availability of these players during the offseason. However, there’s no certainty these three will be available.
Crouse has become a reliable 20-goal scorer for the Coyotes. He could be keen to stick with the club and help them become a playoff contender in Utah.
The Kraken fired head coach Dave Hakstol on Monday. That suggests Francis could be less inclined to overhaul his roster. If he does shake things up he could prefer sticking with Tolvanen, who blossomed into a good two-way forward in Seattle.
Bennett has one year remaining on his contract at an affordable $4.425 million. Still, he could become available if the Panthers need to free up cap room for Reinhart. He’d be the one worth pursuing.