Rickard Rakell
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 29
2021-22 Stats: 70 Games, 20 Goals, 41 Points
Current Salary: $3,789,444 AAV
Projected Salary: $3.5 – $3 Million
There have been plenty of rumours over the past few seasons involving the Leafs interest in Rickard Rakell.
If they were interested in trading for his services before, they’ll certainly be interested in acquiring him as a free agent at a projected discount.
His production dropped with the Anaheim Ducks over the past couple seasons, but he proved with the Pittsburgh Penguins that he can elevate his game on a good team.
If the Penguins are planning to re-sign Malkin and Letang, they may not have room to keep Rakell who was acquired as a playoff rental at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Beyond his offensive ability, Rickard Rakell is also a great two-way player that would be a welcomed addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs second line.