The reasons to keep Rakell were abundantly clear Friday night in the Penguins’ 4-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. If not for the Penguins’ top line with Rakell, Sidney Crosby, and Bryan Rust, the game would have been an ugly beatdown uncomfortable to watch for even the most bloodthirsty UFC fans.

Listed as one of the most desirable players at the trade deadline, the Penguins decide to keep forward Rickard Rakell as he approaches a career-high in goals

Time is ticking toward the NHL trade deadline. Soon, teams will no longer have the opportunity to either cash in as sellers or bolster their potential playoff rosters. On Friday afternoon, the buzzers will officially sound on NHL trades.