The Pittsburgh Penguins are steadily approaching uncharted territory. The 2024-25 season was the third time in a row that they’ve missed the playoffs. Before 2021-22, they sported the longest active playoff streak in the NHL with 16 consecutive appearances.
Now, with Evgeni Malkin approaching his final NHL season, the Penguins are on the cusp of a rebuild.
The Penguins have some of the most intriguing trade candidates in the NHL. Nearly every trade board across hockey media has one of Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell or Erik Karlsson headlining the leaderboards.
Whether they’re traded before the season or during the NHL trade deadline is anyone’s guess. But, if the Penguins want to kick their rebuild into high gear, they’ll need major seasons from these two players. One is a former All-Star looking to return to form. Another is looking to build on the successes of last season.
Tristan Jarry Needs Major Season with Penguins
Tristan Jarry had one goal in mind at the start of the 2024-25 NHL season. “It’s just being able to be the guy (the team) can depend on,” he said during training camp. Unfortunately, his goal did not pan out. Jarry struggled with inconsistent play until he was eventually waived by the Penguins. He played a short stint in the AHL before returning in March.
Jarry, 30, ended last season with a 16-12-6 record, a 3.12 GAA and a .893 save percentage. While the Penguins did underperform last season, Jarry’s subpar numbers did little to improve their abysmal -50 goal differential. He has three years left on his deal making $5.75M per season.
With that in mind, there are rumors that the Penguins could move on from Jarry. Josh Yohe, an insider with The Athletic, reported that there’s a chance Jarry could be moved before the start of the season. “I’d still say there’s a 75–80% chance he’s on this team on opening night,” Yohe said on The Athletic Hockey Show. “They’re certainly willing to move him; I haven’t heard of any teams being interested.”
Rickard Rakell Set for Biggest Season Yet
Rakell had an explosive campaign in 2024-25, scoring 35 goals and 35 assists for 70 points in 81 games. He’s been the talk of the town in the trade department. Pittsburgh Hockey Now editor-in-chief Dan Kingerski believes the asking price for Rakell could be “sky high“.
“What is Rakell really worth?” Kingerski wrote in July. “We’re going to add for inflation from 2022, and say a good B+ level prospect or young player, a draft pick in the 25th to 48th range (first half of the second round), and based on the value (or lack thereof) of the first two assets, perhaps a depth NHL player, such as a bottom-six forward, backup goalie, or third-pair defenseman type.”
Rakell has three years left on his contract at $5M per season. Should the Penguins decide to move on from Rakell, his performance this upcoming season could be a win-win for both parties. Rakell could have a chance to contend for his first Stanley Cup, while the Penguins can head home with a bevy of picks and prospects.
Whether Rakell and Jarry start with the Penguins this season ultimately depends on what Kyle Dubas can do before puck drop in October.
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