The Detroit Red Wings have added to their forward group this summer. They signed James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton in free agency. These two should be good depth additions for the Red Wings. Yet, the Red Wings undoubtedly could use another true top-six winger before the season is here.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a very interesting target in forward Rickard Rakell. Due to this, Heavy Sports has a trade proposal that has Pittsburgh trading Rakell to Detroit in a major swap.
Red Wings Get:
- Rickard Rakell
Penguins Get:
- 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 15 Protected)
- Michael Rasmussen
- Shai Buium
Rickard Rakell Is a Top Trade Candidate
With the Penguins rebuilding, Rakell has been an incredibly popular player in the rumor mill. His trade value is also heightened right now because he set new career-highs with 35 goals and 70 points last season.
In The Fourth Period’s latest Summer Trade Watch List, Rakell is at the No. 6 spot. They also reported that Rakell has been a popular target around the league.
“Rakell generated a lot of interest ahead of this past season’s trade deadline and with Pittsburgh open for business, his name is circulating once again,” The Fourth Period reported. “He has three years left on his contract and has an eight-team no-trade list.”
With Rakell having such a strong 2024-25 season, it is understandable that teams are interested in him. This is especially so when noting that he has a reasonable $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season. Thus, he would make a lot of sense for a team on the rise like Detroit.
Rakell Would Give Red Wings’ Top Six Major Boost
When looking at the Red Wings’ projected top six, there is no question that Rakell would greatly improve it if acquired. Due to his versatility, he could work wonderfully on their first line at left wing. He would be a nice upgrade over van Riemsdyk in the role and could make some real magic playing with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
Furthermore, due to his strong offensive skill, Rakell would offer the Red Wings another clear option for their power play if acquired. This would undoubtedly be a good thing for a Red Wings club looking to snap its nine-year playoff drought.
The Red Wings are also in a position where they could afford Rakell without any issues. According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have just under $12 million of cap space.
Why Red Wings Could Land Rakell With This Trade Offer
With Rakell having an affordable contract and coming off a great season, his trade value is high right now. However, the Red Wings offering their 2026 first-round pick, Rasmussen, and Buium could be enough to get Rakell in Detroit.
The Penguins are rebuilding and looking to strengthen their prospect pool. Thus, any trade centering around Rakell will likely need to include a first-round pick. This is especially so with Rakell having multiple years left on his deal.
With Rasmussen, the Penguins would be bringing in a hard-nosed forward right in his prime. The 26-year-old would be a solid pickup for Pittsburgh’s forward group and could get his offense up playing a more significant role.
As for Buium, the Penguins would be landing a promising prospect defenseman. It is no secret that the Penguins need to improve the left side of their defense. Thus, a 6-foot-3 prospect like Buium could pique Pittsburgh’s interest.
Red Wings Trade Pitch Lands Them Exciting Winger