Bryan Rust to the Red Wings? The Rumors Are Heating Up and Here’s Why It Makes Perfect Sense

0 Sara Smith August 03, 2025

The NHL rumor mill never truly sleeps, does it? Even with the off-season in full swing, the rumors and speculation keep swirling. And one name that continues to pop up in my intel is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust. Sources close to the situation indicate that while Penguins GM Kyle Dubas isn’t actively shopping Rust, he’s certainly listening to offers – especially ones that can inject future assets into a rebuilding Pittsburgh squad.

Now, the latest team linked to the gritty winger? None other than the Detroit Red Wings. This isn’t entirely surprising. We’re talking about a Red Wings team hungry to take the next step, a team with significant cap space ($12 million, folks, that’s real money in today’s NHL!), and a clear need for more offensive firepower in their top nine. Sonny Sachdeva’s report for Sportsnet confirms what I’ve been hearing – Rust is very much a player the Penguins would consider moving.

Why Bryan Rust Would Be a Perfect Fit for the Detroit Red Wings

Rust, with his $5.125 million AAV through the 2027-28 season and no trade protection, presents an interesting case. He’s a proven scorer, a tenacious forechecker, and a two-time Stanley Cup winner – exactly the kind of veteran presence a young team like Detroit could benefit from. And let’s not forget his Michigan roots, a factor that often plays a subtle but real role in these kinds of decisions. Imagine Rust slotting in alongside Dylan Larkin or Lucas Raymond – that’s a recipe for some serious offensive pressure.

However, the key question, as always, boils down to the price. Dubas is undoubtedly looking for draft picks and promising prospects in return for a player of Rust’s caliber. Are the Red Wings, with their own burgeoning young talent pool, willing to part with the assets necessary to land him? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? My gut tells me that if Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman sees Rust as the missing piece to a playoff push, he won’t hesitate to make a compelling offer. This is one to keep a very close eye on in the coming weeks.