NHL Rumors: Sabres & Penguins Becoming Trade Partners

Friday, June 27, 2025 ,
Buffalo Sabres forward Bowen Byram reacts after scoring goal in 2025 game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres are shaping up as two of the most active trade partners this offseason, with serious rumors emerging around veteran winger Bryan Rust and defenseman Bowen Byram. 

According to multiple insiders, including Sabres writer Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Buffalo has long had Rust high on its list of targets, and Pittsburgh is intrigued by Byram’s upside as a younger, controllable left-shot defenseman. With both teams facing pressure to retool on the fly, a deal involving these two players could benefit both sides.

Penguins, Sabres Emerging as Ideal Trade Partners Over Rust and Byram

Buffalo has already moved JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, and Byram is likely the next piece on the block. Meanwhile, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has made it clear he wants to get younger, and Byram, a 24-year-old former fourth-overall pick, fits that mold. 

He would also bring much-needed speed and mobility to a defense corps that has aged rapidly around Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson. Pittsburgh's interest, however, depends on whether they see Byram as a long-term piece or a short-term swing. He is currently a restricted free agent.

Buffalo Wants Rust's Leadership and Playoff Pedigree

The Sabres are in desperate need of veteran stability and playoff experience, something Rust brings in spades. Fresh off a career year with 31 goals and 65 points, the 33-year-old winger is a proven postseason performer and two-time Stanley Cup champion. With his no-trade clause expiring at the start of the new league year, Rust’s contract becomes more movable, and the Sabres see him as an immediate upgrade who can guide their younger core.

In addition, Fairburn reported that Rust is someone the Sabres have long had their eyes on. However, due to his no-trade clause, which expires on June 30, they were never able to get a deal done.

While Byram is still developing, Buffalo needs to balance potential with impact now. Their top four of Dahlin, Power, Kesselring, and Byram is strong on paper, but losing Byram means backfilling a spot next to Dahlin, a gap they’d need to address instantly. They still have Mattias Samuelsson, but there have been a lot of concerns with his injury history and future with the team.

Rust’s experience and production could justify the risk, especially if paired with additional assets or a secondary player like Rickard Rakell in a larger deal.

Trade Makes Sense for Two Teams Under Pressure

With both the Penguins and Sabres under pressure to make the playoffs in 2025–26, neither team wants another underwhelming season, due to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin's final years approaching, and Buffalo's 14-year playoff drought. 

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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