If you thought the Pittsburgh Penguins were locking in their veteran core for another run, think again. According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t actively shopping Bryan Rust, but he is more than willing to listen to trade offers for the veteran winger.
Here at NHL Trade Rumor, we’ve been tracking Pittsburgh’s cap situation closely, and the reality is that the Penguins have to be open for business. Rust just turned 34 and is coming off a fantastic campaign, tallying 29 goals and a career-high 65 points in 72 games. Because he is producing at a high level and has absolutely zero no-trade protection on his contract, he is arguably Pittsburgh’s most attractive trade chip right now.
However, moving him isn’t a simple decision. Rust is Sidney Crosby’s trusted linemate, and breaking up that chemistry is a massive risk. But with a $5.25 million AAV over the next two seasons, moving that money off the books could give Dubas the flexibility he desperately needs.
Why Kyle Dubas is Considering a Bryan Rust Trade
From my perspective, Dubas is looking at the aging curve of this roster. You are essentially selling high on a player whose age and injury history are becoming undeniable concerns. Rust is a highly respected two-way forward, but paying a 34-year-old winger north of $5 million when your team needs a youth injection is a luxury a rebuilding or retooling team simply cannot afford.
Because Rust lacks a no-trade clause (NTC) or no-movement clause (NMC), Dubas has total control over where he can send him. That is a rarity in today’s NHL, where almost every top-six veteran holds the cards. It means Dubas can leverage multiple contending teams against each other to drive up the return.
Evaluating the Return: Young Players Over Draft Picks
What exactly is the asking price? Yohe indicates that Dubas has zero interest in draft picks. He wants young, established players in return.
This makes perfect sense. The Penguins owe it to Crosby to remain competitive in the twilight of his career. Draft picks take three to five years to develop into impact NHL players. Dubas wants players who are 21 to 24 years old, NHL-ready, and capable of stepping immediately into Dan Muse’s lineup. If a contender wants to add Rust’s playoff pedigree and two-way responsibility for a Stanley Cup run, they are going to have to part with a top prospect who has already graduated to the pro level.
Bryan Rust Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 710 | 232 | 270 | 502 | 38 |
| Playoffs | 85 | 22 | 15 | 37 | 4 |
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