NHL Rumors: Could the Pittsburgh Penguins Start the Selling Process Soon?

Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com suggested during an appearance on TSN Radio in Montreal that the Pittsburgh Penguins could begin selling off veteran assets ahead of the trade deadline if their struggles persist. Biringer stated that Pittsburgh may look to move experienced contributors outside of their long-standing core to acquire younger talent and facilitate a necessary rebuild.

While Biringer expects Pittsburgh to retain the core trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, he highlighted defenseman Erik Karlsson as a prime trade candidate. He also pointed to forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as valuable top-six players whose remaining contract term could attract contending clubs.