3 Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Candidates Heading Into 2024 Offseason

Kyle Dubas continues to have his hands full in Pittsburgh as the Penguins executive will end year one with disappointment. The Penguins are set for more changes come the summertime after Dubas tried to make several deals before the trade deadline.

Look for more trades to come from the trade-happy Dubas as he's looking to make the Penguins roster younger, but also still try to compete for a Cup while Sidney Crosby is captain. Tough sleddin' to say the least. Here's three Penguins who are likely getting traded this summer:

Erik Karlsson

Karlsson can bitch and moan about trade rumors in Canada all he wants but the facts of the matter are Dubas tried to move him out before the deadline but nothing materialized. The Ottawa Senators are interested and if the Penguins retain a certain % of Karlsson's remaining salary, look for a deal to be completed around the NHL Entry Draft. Karlsson's played decent this season, his first in Pittsburgh, recording 46 points in 68 games, however he hasn't been able to gel together on the power play, which is one of the main reasons the Penguins are going to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Reilly Smith

Ideally, Dubas had this deal done before March 9, but for some reason he couldn't make it work with the LA Kings, who were very interested. Look for Dubas to circle back and essentially take anything in return for Smith, which likely ends up being a fifth-round pick. Smith is owed $5 million and on July 1 submits an eight-team no-fly zone for his trade protection. Smith's recorded 12 goals and 33 points in 62 games this season as a Penguin, his first and likely his last.

Rickard Rakell

This trade will be tricky and likely sees the Penguins sweetening the pot as Rakell has been horrible this season. He's signed through the 2027-28 season at $5 million AAV and does have a eight-team no-trade clause in his contract. This season it's been tough to watch for the Swedish winger, only recording 10 goals and 29 points in 56 games. Dubas will have to retain a portion of Rakell's contract if he's going to be able to move on from the rest of his contract. 

PHoto credit:  Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports