A name that has been discussed in great detail over the past couple of weeks, Rickard Rakell is a player who’s been on the radar of a few teams heading into the NHL Trade Deadline. The forward has made his way up most trade bait boards and he’s been discussed as one of the more coveted targets this season. But, one insider isn’t convinced the Anaheim Ducks will actually pull the trigger on a trade.
Elliotte Friedman notes during his recent 31 Thoughts podcast that he’s not necessarily buying the Ducks move Rakell. While the team is likely to be sellers this season and Rakell could fetch the Ducks a sizeable return, the player has another season on his current deal and as such, isn’t a rental. He’s also got a financially friendly contract and one of the best weapons a team can have are players on good contracts.
Rakell has been relatively quiet over the past three games, but prior to that, he’d scored 12 points in six games. He’d be a great add in the top-six for most teams, but this is not a player the Ducks should move without first really thinking about what happens to their own offense if they do. He’s tied for the team lead in points and there’s talk other names could be moved from the roster.
It makes sense to suggest the Ducks don’t consider a deal unless the return is tremendous and a team is willing to overpay.
What About the Maple Leafs and Rakell Rumors?
One of the teams heavily rumored to be considering Rakell as an option was Toronto. But, Friedman notes, “I also have heard that the price of Rakell, I’m not so sure Toronto is going to be in on that.” He added, “Maybe Anaheim thinks Toronto doesn’t have what it wants.”
That’s now the Leafs potentially not in on Rakell or Ekhlom. Who else should the Leafs target?
More must-reads: