Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins become reported trade partners for 35-goal scoring forward

At free agency, Hawks GM Kyle Davidson didn't want to repeat his past mistakes. The year before, when July 1st came up, Chicago signed a few veterans, but it didn't go the way they expected.

After these acquisitions turned out to be underwhelming, Davidson changed strategy, giving more room for young players and avoiding veterans under long-term contracts.

However, a new rumor stated that the Hawks could end up acquiring a player after all, but this time, on the trade market.

Indeed, according to The Fourth Period, Rickard Rakell has been linked to four NHL organizations.

Rakell, 32, is reportedly generating interest from the Hawks, Seattle Kraken, Los Angeles Kings, and Ottawa Senators.

With three seasons left on his $5 million AAV contract, and great offensive production over the past years, notably scoring 70 points last season, he is an attractive target for teams looking to add offensive depth ahead of training camp.

However, the Penguins don't seem in a rush to make things happen. Many rumors state that the team could wait until the trade deadline to liquidate their assets, to see if the team will be able to have a strong start to the season and be in a position to make the playoffs next winter.