Is a Bryan Rust Trade Inevitable for the Pittsburgh Penguins?

0 Sara Smith September 21, 2025

It’s the time of year when the rumor mill starts churning, and for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the name on everyone’s lips is Bryan Rust. While Rust has been a cornerstone of the Penguins’ lineup for years, his recent comments about wanting to retire in Pittsburgh might be more of a hopeful wish than a statement of fact. The reality is, with his no-trade clause expired, Rust has become one of the most intriguing trade chips in the league.

Rust’s Future with the Penguins is Far From Certain

From a hockey perspective, trading Rust makes a lot of sense for the Penguins. He’s a valuable asset who could fetch a significant return, and with the team in a transitional phase, injecting new blood and assets into the organization is paramount. Rust is a proven top-six winger who can score, kill penalties, and bring a veteran presence to any locker room. That’s a combination that teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, all rumored to be interested, would love to have.

While it’s easy to get sentimental about a player like Rust, who has been a part of so much success in Pittsburgh, the NHL is a business. The Penguins have to do what’s best for the long-term health of the franchise, and that might mean parting ways with a fan favorite. For a contending team, acquiring a player of Rust’s caliber with term on his contract is a no-brainer. He’s the kind of player that can put a team over the top, and there will be no shortage of suitors lining up to make an offer. While the Penguins may give him some say in his destination, expect them to take the best deal on the table.