NHLTR Mock Trade: Pittsburgh Penguins Deal Bryan Rust to Detroit Red Wings
The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to be a team to watch this offseason as Kyle Dubas is far from finished on the trade market. Rumors continue to swirl when it comes to some of the Penguins' veterans, as Dubas is looking to get younger and start to transition out of the long-time core in Pittsburgh.
Bryan Rust is among the Penguins trade candidates, and out of all of them, appears to be the most likely to be moved ahead of the start of next season.
Josh Yohe: Re Rust and Rakell: Are they even on this team when Oct 7 rolls around? I'm not so sure they will be; I think there's a real chance at least one of them is gone before then - Athletic Hockey Show (8/6)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 9, 2025
Rust, 33, has three years left on his deal at $5.1 million AAV, and does not hold any trade protection on his contract. Rust scored 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games, so you can't blame Dubas for holding fort on the steep asking price for his veteran winger. Insert the Detroit Red Wings.
Rust is a native of Pontiac, Michigan, and a lot of times when long-time vets get moved out for a rebuild, the team tries to do right by the player, which Dubas has done many times, and moving Rust 'back home' seems quite feasible.