Penguins’ Rickard Rakell Predicted to Return to Southern California originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Pittsburgh Penguins look for a potential trade of veteran Rickard Rakell, the team has held firm in its strong asking price. Rakell is scheduled to make $5 million in each of the next three seasons, which could complicate some things.
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But the veteran remains a reliable player on the ice, and there have been a few teams to show interest this summer.
NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report listed a few landing spots for Rakell in a potential trade, and the Los Angeles Kings were mentioned. Los Angeles has been searching for a way to increase offensive production this summer, and Rakell could help everything out.
“Every time I think of a potential landing spot for Rakell, I gravitate toward the Los Angeles Kings. The match just seems perfect. Especially now this offseason and the way everything has gone so far.
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“The Kings are stuck in a rut where they have become a consistent playoff team, but they are not good enough to get beyond the first round,” Gretz wrote.
Last season, the Kings were one of the better defensive teams in the NHL, but they lacked a consistent offensive presence. Rakell could help with this, and his skill set on the ice could help this team get over the hump.
Last season with the Penguins, Rakell put up 35 goals and 35 assists, showing some strong consistency. Rakell could give this team a jolt, and the Kings may be able to turn themselves into a true force on the ice.
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If the Penguins were to eat some of the salary going out in a trade, the Kings may be willing to send some extra draft assets. This could be a solid landing spot for the Penguins’ star, and there is potential for a late offseason splash here.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.