The Pittsburgh Penguins are once again living in familiar territory as the NHL trade deadline approaches — close enough to the playoff picture to justify hope, but inconsistent enough that patience is wearing thin.
Pittsburgh currently sits eighth in the Eastern Conference wild card race, just three points out of a playoff spot. On the surface, that positioning suggests a team firmly in the mix. The reality, however, is far less convincing. The Penguins have won only one of their last 10 games, a stretch that has stalled momentum and exposed the same structural issues that have followed them for much of the season.
What complicates the picture further is Pittsburgh’s financial flexibility. The Penguins have nearly $20 million in available cap space, no retained salary on their books, and the ability to comfortably absorb contracts with retained cap hits from buying teams if they choose to become sellers. That combination gives the front office unusual leverage — whether as a buyer, a facilitator, or even a quiet broker — and makes the Penguins one of the more intriguing wildcard teams as the deadline approaches.
Instead of going all-in one way or another, Pittsburgh seems set to take a careful, choose-what-we-do approach. They might trade some older players who could get them something good in return, but still try to stay competitive. Given that, here are three players who could actually be traded.
Anthony Mantha: A Power Winger With Deadline Appeal
Among Pittsburgh’s forwards, Anthony Mantha profiles as one of the more intriguing deadline pieces.
Mantha brings a rare blend of size and offensive touch. At over 6 feet tall and north of 230 pounds, he offers a physical presence that many contenders look to add ahead of the playoffs. He is capable of playing a middle-six role, contributing secondary scoring, and providing net-front value on the power play — all without needing to drive a line.
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His season in Pittsburgh has been emblematic of his career: flashes of impact mixed with stretches of inconsistency. Still, players like Mantha often see their value increase at the deadline, when playoff teams prioritize matchup depth, board play, and size over long-term projection.
For the Penguins, Mantha is a player they could trade, and they could easily fill his spot from within the team. His contract isn’t too bad, and Pittsburgh can even retain some of his salary if it means getting a better deal.
Market Outlook
Mantha would likely draw interest from teams seeking playoff-style depth scoring — a winger who can be deployed situationally and add a physical edge. His market could return a second or third-round pick, with salary retention potentially pushing the value higher. While not a franchise-altering move, dealing Mantha would convert size and experience into future assets without significantly disrupting the core.
Rickard Rakell: The Highest-Value Trade Chip
If the Penguins decide to make a more impactful move, Rickard Rakell stands out as their most valuable trade asset.
Rakell’s appeal lies in his versatility and proven scoring résumé. He can play either wing, contribute on the power play, and slot comfortably alongside elite centers. While his point totals have fluctuated, his underlying offensive habits — puck protection, intelligent off-puck movement, and shot selection — remain reliable.
This season, Rakell has continued to show he can handle meaningful minutes without needing sheltered usage. For contenders seeking a top-six or strong middle-six winger who won’t disrupt structure, Rakell is an easy fit. He also brings playoff experience, which only enhances his appeal in deadline conversations.
Contractually, Rakell offers added value because he is not a pure rental. His term provides acquiring teams with cost certainty beyond this season — a significant advantage in a cap-tight league.
Market Outlook
Rakell would command the strongest return of the three players listed. Pittsburgh could reasonably seek a first-round pick or a high-end prospect, potentially with an additional asset if salary is retained. While moving Rakell would leave a noticeable hole in the lineup, it would also give the Penguins a rare opportunity to replenish premium assets without fully committing to a rebuild.
Brett Kulak: Quietly Valuable Blue Line Depth
While forwards dominate most deadline discussions, depth defensemen often become some of the most sought-after pieces in the spring, and Brett Kulak fits that profile.
Kulak provides steady, low-maintenance minutes. He moves the puck efficiently, maintains defensive structure, and can be trusted in a third-pair role while stepping up in case of injury. For playoff teams navigating condensed schedules and matchup challenges, that type of reliability is invaluable.
From Pittsburgh’s standpoint, Kulak is replaceable internally and does not project as a long-term cornerstone. His contract is manageable, his role is clearly defined, and his experience makes him a plug-and-play option for contenders.
Market Outlook
Kulak would likely draw interest from teams seeking defensive insurance rather than a lineup-changing piece. A mid-round pick, likely a fourth-rounder with performance-based conditions, would be a realistic return. While modest, it represents smart asset management in a season where every pick carries value.
What These Moves Would Signal for Pittsburgh
Trading Mantha, Rakell, or Kulak wouldn’t signal a teardown — but it would acknowledge reality.
The Penguins are operating in a narrow window where indecision carries real consequences. Standing pat risks missing the playoffs while watching assets depreciate or walk for nothing. Conversely, selectively moving veterans with defined market value allows Pittsburgh to regain draft capital, maintain cap flexibility, and keep options open moving forward.
Rakell offers the biggest return, Mantha provides classic deadline intrigue, and Kulak brings quiet blue-line value. Each move would serve a different purpose, but all align with a pragmatic approach to roster management.
Final Thoughts
The Penguins remain close enough in the standings to justify caution, but their recent form suggests that relying on internal improvement alone may not be enough.
With cap flexibility, no retained salary commitments, and multiple tradable veterans, Pittsburgh is positioned to shape the deadline rather than simply react to it. Whether that means selling selectively, facilitating trades, or pivoting toward a retool will define the remainder of the season.
Mantha, Rakell, and Kulak each represent a different lever the Penguins can pull. The decision now rests on whether management chooses to chase the margins — or take control of the future while the opportunity still exists.
