Trade rumors surrounding Bryan Rust are at an all-time high, and two Canadian teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames, are rumored to be in the mix.
Pittsburgh possesses some pieces who can generate interest, including Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust.
Of the three, Bryan Rust is likely the most valuable trade commodity. While he is a leader in the Penguins' dressing room and one of Sidney Crosby's go-to linemates, he will be 33 years old this season and no longer has protection in his contract.
Toronto still has not found their true replacement for the loss of Mitch Marner
Toronto lost Mitch Marner in free agency and has sought to fill the gap with a quantity-over-quality approach. They still lack a top-six winger with a pedigree, and Rust fits the bill.
Less skilled than Marner, Rust does have postseason experience and a pattern of delivering in big moments, something the Maple Leafs are in dire need of. They'd have to navigate minimal cap space, but a trade is feasible.
Calgary did exceed expectations last season with strong defense and goaltending, but their offense lagged behind.
With $15 million of cap space available and only one key RFA to re-sign, the Flames have room to add a goal-scorer like Rust to help push them into playoff contention.