Where Would the Penguins Be Without ‘Em?

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.

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