Penguins Looking to Move Veteran Forwards for Younger Options
Elliotte Friedman reported that Pittsburgh wants to trade veteran forwards to open roster spots for younger players. The Penguins have started 3-5-1 and lost three straight, including a 6-2 defeat in Vegas. Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are among the top-line veterans who could draw interest, while several AHL forwards are producing.
Elliotte Friedman said Pittsburgh has signaled a wish to trade veteran forwards and open lineup space for prospects. The club is 3-5-1 after three consecutive defeats, most recently a 6-2 loss at Vegas. No specific trade candidates were named in that report.
In the AHL, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has gotten nine points in six games from both Avery Calvert and Rutger McGroarty, while Mikhail Ilyin has seven and Tristan Broz six. Bryan Rust, 34, has 65-point seasons behind him but has looked slow early; Rickard Rakell has two points. Both skate with Sidney Crosby.
If Pittsburgh trades veterans, affected groups could include the players moved, their families, younger AHL forwards who may get NHL chances, and Penguins fans adjusting to a less familiar roster. A youth-focused shift may alter short-term competitiveness, which could shape local fan engagement and ticket demand. The outcome may also influence how other clubs value veteran wingers on similar contracts.