Latest Rickard Rakell rumors link the 30-goal scorer to the Edmonton Oilers. But with minimal cap space and a huge asking price, can they pull it off?
When a credible insider like David Pagnotta speaks, the league listens. On a recent “Hello Hockey” podcast, Pagnotta confirmed what many have suspected: the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done this offseason. They’re still hunting for a legitimate top-six forward to round out their attack.
The name he dropped? Pittsburgh’s Rickard Rakell. This isn’t just tire-kicking; it’s a targeted move for a player who perfectly fits the bill. Rakell is coming off a monster 70-point season (35 goals, 35 assists) and isn’t a one-year rental. He has three years left on his deal at a reasonable $5 million AAV. Imagine another 30-goal threat playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. It’s the kind of move that makes a Stanley Cup contender a clear favorite.
But here’s the rub, and it’s a big one. The Oilers have two monumental obstacles standing in their way, turning this dream scenario into a potential nightmare of logistics.
Why Rakell is the Perfect Fit, and Why It’s Almost Impossible
On paper, Rakell is the missing piece. He provides the scoring depth Edmonton has craved and has the term on his contract that GM Stan Bowman values. He’s a proven finisher who can take pressure off the big guns and make the Oilers’ power play even more lethal. The fit is a 10/10.
The execution, however, is where this gets messy. First, there’s the salary cap. With just $225K in available space, the Oilers can’t afford a new office plant, let alone a $5 million forward. Any deal for Rakell requires a significant salary going back to Pittsburgh, which complicates negotiations immensely. Second, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is known for driving a hard bargain. Pagnotta reports the asking price is “sky-high,” as it should be for a player of Rakell’s caliber and contract.
Is This Trade Realistic for the Oilers?
To make the money work and meet the asking price, Edmonton would have to part with key roster players and high-end prospects. We’re not talking about draft picks and a mid-level prospect here. The conversation would likely have to start with a name like Matthew Savoie, the exact kind of young, cost-controlled talent the Oilers need for sustained success.
Trading him would be robbing Peter to pay Paul—solving one problem by creating another down the line. While the idea of Rakell in an Oilers jersey is tantalizing, the path to get him there is incredibly narrow and fraught with peril. It would require some serious cap gymnastics and a willingness to mortgage a significant piece of the future.
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