Patrick Kane‘s Detroit Red Wings are intensifying efforts to break their long playoff drought by exploring aggressive trade options this offseason. With most top free agents already signed elsewhere, general manager Steve Yzerman is focusing on trades as the primary way to add impact talent to the roster.
According to Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski, Rickard Rakell from Sidney Crosby‘s Pittsburgh Penguins is drawing significant interest. Rakell’s versatility and scoring ability have made him a prime target, with experts calling the potential move a “too perfect“ fit for Detroit’s current needs.
“Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman was frank regarding his team’s needs: An impact top-six forward and a top-four defenseman,” Kingerski wrote. “Rakell would make a perfect complement to either Dylan Larkin or sophomore center Marco Kasper.”
Why is Rickard Rakell seen as the perfect fit for Detroit?
Rakell’s ability to play both winger and center offers Detroit flexibility in their lineup. His consistent scoring and veteran presence align well with the Red Wings’ urgent need for a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman, as outlined by GM Steve Yzerman.
Rickard Rakell #67 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
How can Detroit make this trade happen?
With roughly $12 million in cap space, Detroit holds significant leverage. The team also maintains nearly all of its draft picks for the next three years and has a strong prospect pool, giving them the assets needed to negotiate a trade with Pittsburgh.
see also
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