A quick pop quiz.
What do Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have in common?
If you replied they’re all terrific hockey players who are in their 30s and play for the Penguins, you’d of course be correct. But that’s not the answer I was looking for.
Give up?
Although it’s really hard to imagine, especially in light of what they’ve accomplished this season, all three were rumored to be on the trading block last summer.
Remember?
When Rust’s no-movement clause expired on July 1, he seemed especially vulnerable to being dealt. Nor was Kyle Dubas shy about expressing his disappointment with Karlsson’s play at the end of last season.
Honestly, I thought EK65 was a goner. If it wasn’t for Dubas’s asking price, reported to be exorbitant, perhaps Rust and Rakell might have been traded as well.
And now?
Rust is second on the team in points (61) behind Sidney Crosby and third in goals (27). Barring injury, he has a legitimate shot at a second-straight, 30-goal season. An inspirational, heart-and-soul player who literally has a Penguins logo tattooed on his chest, Rusty’s always had a special knack for delivering in the clutch. He’s been downright incredible since the Olympic break with eight goals and 21 points in 17 games.
Remarkable output for a former third-round pick who was projected to be a bottom-six energy guy and nothing more.
Rakell likewise has been a force over the last month, with 10 goals and 19 points over his past 17 games. His versatility and ability to remain effective while switching lines and shifting to center has been invaluable, especially with Sid and Evgeni Malkin missing so much time of late.
In addition to the offensive skills that have yielded his seventh 20-goal season (and fourth since his arrival in the ‘burgh), Rakell’s a diligent worker and underrated defensive player. Part of the reason he works so well with Sid and Rusty.
Three peas in a pod.
As for Karlsson? Count me among those who were sorely disappointed in his play during his first couple of seasons with the Pens…and who are now absolutely awestruck by how good he’s been. The games are just flowing through him. Talk about controlling the play!
He’s a one-man transition game, able to skate the puck up ice or dissect a defense with his pinpoint passing. An absolute master at buying time and keeping the play alive at the point. Indeed, he’s undressed more than one opposing checker at the blue line with his incredible mobility and edge work.
Smart, too.
And his shot? From the circles on down, deadly. Able to pick his spot with uncanny accuracy.
Heck, he’s even playing responsible defense.
Like Rust and Rakell, Erik’s been on fire since the Olympic break. Nine goals and 25 points in his last 18 games, and that includes being held off the scoreboard on Monday and Tuesday night.
Now try to imagine where the Pens would be if any or all were traded. We certainly wouldn’t be powering toward a playoff spot like we are now. More likely, we’d be jockeying for the Metro cellar with Mike Sullivan’s Rangers.
Given how savvy he is, perhaps Dubas never really intended to trade any of them. I guess we’ll never truly know.
One thing that’s certain? Sometimes the very best deals are the ones you don’t make.