Detroit Red Wings emerge as favorites to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins' 35-goal scoring forward
Photo credit: NHL
The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for a big off-season, and according to a recent report from an insider, Steve Yzerman has his eyes set on acquiring Sidney Crosby's linemate from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins were sellers at this year's NHL trade deadline, and it's quite the confusing time in Pittsburgh.
Aging veterans Sidney Crosby (37), Evgeni Malkin (38), and Kris Letang (37) are all nearing the final stages of their late careers, and it appears they are picking apart more of their roster.
At the deadline, the team listed three-time 30-plus goal-scoring forward Rickard Rakell on the trade block but failed to facilitate a trade due to an absurd asking price of two first-round picks and a team's best prospect.
Fast forward a few months, and Rakell will once again be moved this off-season, with the Detroit Red Wings as a potential suitor, according to a recent report.
The benefit for the Red Wings is that Rakell's value has went down the drain despite his career-high numbered year this season, and GM Steve Yzerman is in dire need of a right-handed goal-scoring forward after trading away David Perron in the past.
The Red Wings are likely going to be on the hunt for a top-six forward this offseason. They certainly could use another impactful winger, and Rakell would give them just that. He also could be a good fit for a team on the rise like Detroit, as he has three more years left on his deal after this one.
The report statedThe Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are also deemed suitors to land Rakell.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 214 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings emerge as favorites to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins' 35-goal scoring forward Do you think Rickard Rakell would be an upgrade to former Red Wings forward David Perron? | ||
| Yes | 162 | 75.7 % |
| No | 52 | 24.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
