NHL insider Josh Yohe of the Athletic has just compiled a list of Penguins players and which ones could be traded, and he listed two that are as good as gone. Things aren't going swimmingly for <a href='https://www.nhl.com/penguins/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Pittsburgh Penguins</a>. With nearly a third of the season in the rearview, Kyle Dubas' team finds itself dead last in <a href='https://www.nhl.com/standings/2024-12-02/division' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Metropolitan Division</a>, having accumulated just 24 points in 26 games despite a recent three-game winning streak. A rebuild, at least a partial one, feels like a necessity in Pittsburgh. This likely includes significant roster changes as Dubas continues in pursuit of his trade targets, even after falling short in the Jiricek Derby. Recently, in a piece for 'The Athletic', insider Josh <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5944604/2024/11/29/penguins-trade-tiers-2024-25/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Yohe reported that two players are as good as gone</a>: Rickard Rakell and Marcus Pettersson. Marcus Pettersson Everyone in the organization loves Pettersson, and for good reason. He's a good, top-four defenseman and he's also a quality human. Of course, he doesn't have a no-trade clause and he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He could bring back a serious return - at least a second-round pick, maybe more. It will be a sad day for many to see him go, but it's inevitable. Rickard Rakell I wouldn't have had him on this list a few months ago because of his poor 2023-24 season. Rakell is back to looking like himself this season and given his contract, the Penguins would be wise to move on. There figures to be a taker out there. Everyone wants a top-six winger. I don't think the return would be huge, but the Penguins could likely get something for him. To get out of his contract would be significant. - Josh Yohe <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JoshYohe_PGH/status/1862506343313146357'> </a></blockquote></div> Won't be easy to let these two go, either. Both are respected in the organization, not just for their skills but for their character. What they might return on the trade market is anyone's guess. Rakell has been one of the bright spots in what has been a tough season to this point, notching 15 points in 24 games. <a href='https://puckpedia.com/player/rickard-rakell' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>But with three years left on his deal at a $5-million AAV</a>, his trade value may be tied to whether Dubas is willing to retain some of that salary. As for Pettersson, things are a little different. He's a pending unrestricted free agent, and his good play this year, 10 points in 26 games, might make him appealing to teams willing to pay a premium for some defensive help. With Rakell and Pettersson moved, Dubas will have gotten some valuable assets to shape the future and hopefully get the Penguins on track again.