Penguins Rumors: 3 Trade Candidates Besides Jake Guentzel

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain a team to watch leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. At this point, it's hard to say what's going to happen as far as buying or selling, but president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, has some serious decisions to make.

We all know Jake Guentzel's name is out there, he's a pending free agent at season's end and so far contract extension talks haven't worked out. There's certainly a chance he could be dealt and the same goes for the following Penguins:

Reilly Smith

Smith was acquired by Dubas for a third-round pick and hasn't necessarily been producing at the clip the team was hoping. The veteran winger has just eight goals in 40 games and has added 12 assists. He's owed $5 million against the cap, and is signed for next season, along with his 10-team no-trade protection this year, which goes down to eight teams in July. Smith's a prime trade candidate but someone Dubas may have to retain salary on.

Rickard Rakell

Another underperforming winger makes the list, Rakell is someone Dubas will have to get very creative to move. He's under contract at $5 million through the 2027-28 season and holds a modified eight-team no-trade clause. Rakell's been brutal this season, with only five goals and 18 points in 34 games, however he's shown in the past he's capable of producing, even in Pittsburgh as he had 28 goals and 60 points in 82 games last season. Dubas will surely be showing off his decorated past to onlooking teams.

Noel Acciari

Dubas signed Acciari last offseason after trading for him in Toronto, but unfortunately the depth centre hasn't been the same type of player. Acciari gets by on his work ethic, defensive smarts and the willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He's signed through the 2025-26 season at $2 million, so the Penguins won't necessarily be trying to push him out the door, but if a playoff-bound team comes calling, they could be open to a move. Acciari holds a modified eight-team no-trade clause in his contract.