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| John McCoy/ Associated Press |
This report has been updated to reflect what the Penguins sent to Anaheim as details emerge.
According to the Athletic's Josh Yohe, the Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired right-winger, Rickard Rakell from the Anaheim Ducks. The return is not official yet, but reportedly Zach Aston-Reese and Dominik Simon are heading to Anaheim with a second round pick and prospect goaltender Calle Clang.
Rakell to Penguins is confirmed. Could be a roster player heading back to Anaheim as part of the deal along with second round pick and a prospect. More info coming soon.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) March 21, 2022
Significant get for Penguins. He will probably play with Malkin. Guentzel-Sid-Rust likely to reunite.
Rakell currently sits at 16 goals and 28 points on the season. It is a far cry from his 34 goals and 69 points in the 2017-18 season, but the Penguins don't need that Rakell. They just need a guy who is going to help get the 2nd line get rolling, while also generating points from players other than Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Jake Guentzel.
This is a great get for the Penguins, and the announcement came just as the 3PM deadline was closing. Pens' GM Ron Hextall has been known to keep talks quiet, and Pittsburgh Penguins' media members were radio silent all day. It had appeared nothing was going to happen for the Penguins until this huge announcement emerged, seemingly out of nowhere.
Rakell was a target for the Penguins early and also Cody Flavell's first target in a series he wrote for us leading up to the deadline, which can be found here: Pens' Trade Targets.
As more details emerge about the deal, Cody will update on the impact Rakell will have on the Penguins and whether the return value the Penguins send to the Ducks is fair, an overpay, or great value for Pittsburgh.