Penguins Rumored to Listen on Rust, Rakell as Oilers Eye Darnell Nurse Trade

The Pittsburgh Penguins are once again rumored to be listening on forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as general manager Kyle Dubas continues to explore trade options this summer. While Rust and Rakell remain with the team, they are available should the right offers come through. Rust, 34, finished the season with 29 goals and a career-high 65 points, but his injury history remains a concern.

Dubas is not eager to move either player but is keeping an open mind. “He’s not itching to trade veteran forwards Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell, but, much like last summer, both are available,” writes Josh Yohe of The Athletic. Rust has drawn more trade interest in recent summers than Rakell, who rebounded with 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games this season. Rakell’s ability to play both center and wing adds versatility, and his $5 million cap hit over two years is considered team-friendly.

The Penguins are not focused on acquiring draft picks or prospects in return. Instead, Dubas is seeking players who can contribute now and in the future. “He wants young players who can help the Penguins now and in the future,” Yohe reports. The team is also reportedly interested in Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, who has requested a trade.

While Rust holds no trade protection, Rakell is limited to an eight-team no-trade list. Meanwhile, defenseman Kris Letang is also available, but his trade protection complicates the process. Letang is under full protection until July 1 when his no-move clause becomes a 10-team approved list. That could open the door for a deal if the right offer surfaces.

The Oilers are also in trade mode. Nurse’s request has been well-documented, and the Penguins are one of several teams rumored to be in the mix. Nurse, 29, is coming off a season with 18 goals and 36 assists in 82 games. His two-way play and physicality make him a coveted asset for teams looking to bolster their blue lines.

With July 1 fast approaching, the trade market will only heat up. The Penguins have multiple pieces on the table, and the Oilers are actively shopping Nurse. As the window for blockbuster deals opens, both teams are positioning themselves for potential moves that could reshape their rosters.