What happened: Chris Johnston's latest trade board for The Athletic includes two Pittsburgh Penguins wingers: Rickard Rakell at No. 21 and Bryan Rust at No. 22. Both veterans have been recurring names in trade chatter since Pittsburgh's 2025-26 playoff run ended. Neither has been dealt, but their placement signals the front office could entertain offers.

Why it matters: Pittsburgh reached the postseason in 2025-26 yet remains oriented toward the future, which makes moving veteran assets a live possibility. Rust would be the harder name to part with, having spent all 12 of his NHL seasons with the Penguins, while Rakell's place among the league's top trade candidates has been discussed since last summer. A trade of either would reshape Pittsburgh's top six and could net a meaningful return.

What to watch: Watch whether Pittsburgh actually shops either winger as the offseason unfolds, and what kind of return a contending team is willing to offer.