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If the Penguins get calls on this player at the Trade Deadline, they should listen

Bryan Rust is getting to that age where soon enough he is going to slow down and not produce anymore. But he is still producing now and if the Penguins want to maximize his value and take calls on him, they absolutely should.
ByTyler Miller|
Jan 17, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The Penguins are at that stage of the season where they have a lot of pieces that they can wheel and deal at March's Trade Deadline. One you would not expect them to deal is Bryan Rust, but he is someone they should absolutely take calls on if they get any. The Penguins would be taking away one of Crosby's linemates that he has had chemistry with for years, but at this point, it would be the right call for the retool.

Rust's value has never been higher than it is now

The Penguins have been getting production from Rust for years now and the production should continue if he is dealt somewhere else because he would be put in the top 6 immediately.

Penguins fans should wonder if they could fetch a first-round pick and more if someone comes calling on the speedy forward. They should wonder if Rust's value and Rakell's value are about the same.

Trading Rust opens up a spot for McGroarty to play in the top 6 for the rest of the season

Usually anyone who gets to play on a wing with Sidney Crosby, tends to produce a lot of points because they get chemistry with him so quickly.

That would definitely be the case here as McGroarty has been working really hard as of late in Wilkes-Barre and deserves another shot at showing what he can do in the NHL.

Trading Rust if the Penguins get a high offer for him, would open up the roster spot that McGroarty is seeking full-time next season.

Trading Rakell is more likely than trading both, even though they should attempt to trade both

This is probably easier said than done, but the Penguins should absolutely attempt to trade both Rust and Rakell and maximize their returns.

They could potentially get a first-round pick plus for both of them and that would seriously help the retool that Kyle Dubas is looking to do with the Penguins.

Now as previously stated, it would not be ideal to trade away both of Sidney Crosby's wingers as he has amazing chemistry with both, but if big offers are on the table for both at this year's deadline, you absolutely have to do it.

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