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Top NHL Insider Ties Three Teams to Bryan Rust
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / Hockey Writers
The Fourth Period tied the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Columbus Blue Jackets to the Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran forward Bryan Rust on the trade market.
Fresh off a career-high season that saw Rust score 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games, the veteran forward has become one of the most intriguing names in the trade rumors. He's a proven scorer with playoff experience, and he's now fully tradeable, as his no-movement clause expired on June 30.
"Rust has three years left on his contract and his full no-movement clause expired at the end of June 30, leaving him without any no-trade protection. There is already plenty of interest out there and with Pittsburgh in sell mode, he could be had but will command a high package if the Penguins part with him."
Among the teams with real interest, The Fourth Period listed the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Buffalo makes plenty of sense. After dealing JJ Peterka, the Sabres need a replacement in their top six, and Rust's reliable scoring and leadership would be an immediate upgrade. His $5.125 million cap hit through 2027-28 fits nicely under their cap space.
In Toronto, the Leafs are searching for answers after moving on from Mitch Marner. While Rust doesn't bring Marner's flash, he would add grit, scoring, and a responsible two-way game that Toronto's top six now desperately needs.
Columbus, meanwhile, has cap space and the motivation to move back toward playoff contention. They've been active on the market and could be a great fit for Rust.
Dubas himself stated:
"Unless it's something that blows us away in terms of what it returns - that it can very easily be looked at to help us return to contention - that would be a tough one."
With the Penguins open for business, Rust might not be available for long. However, any team looking to land him will have to pay the price.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 91 ANSWERS Top NHL Insider Ties Three Teams to Bryan Rust Do you think Bryan Rust will get traded before training camp? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 39.6 % |
| No | 55 | 60.4 % |
| List of polls | ||