Pens Labyrinth
Fansided

The Penguins should only trade this player if they receive an offer they can't refuse

The Penguins are supposedly receiving calls on assistant captain Bryan Rust as the Penguins are in sell mode. But they should only offload the veteran if they are offered something massive in return.
ByTyler Miller|
Apr 13, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) handles the puck Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) and Boston Bruins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon (29) defend during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) handles the puck Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) and Boston Bruins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon (29) defend during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the Penguins being in rebuild/retool mode and having players with value that do not fit the timeline that general manager Kyle Dubas has, it might be time to make some tough decisions.

There are rumors swirling that the Penguins are taking calls on star forward Bryan Rust and this one might be a tough pill to swallow. Rust has been quite the player for the Penguins and really fits well with Crosby.

But if a team comes calling on the veteran and Dubas gets an offer of a first-round pick and a top prospect or something along those lines, he might just have to take it.

The Penguins do not need to trade Rust just to trade him

Now if the Penguins were to trade Rust just to trade him and get him off of the roster, that would be a massive mistake. The Penguins should only trade him if they are offered something astronomical.

The Penguins should not trade him for anything less than a first-round pick. Rust puts up points season after season and produces like no other. Dubas is not going to take a trade where he get something significantly less than Rust is worth.

Rust is going to be a great mentor for the young kids like Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty and others that are soon to come if the Penguins hold on to him.

It would be the right move if Dubas decides to trade Rust

Entering the NHL draft here within the next few weeks, Dubas has the most picks in the next three drafts combined. And if he trades Rust, he can add another first-round pick to those and really get a head start on the rebuild.

It is not certain whether they get the Rangers first-round pick or not yet as they still have a little longer to decide, but if you trade Rust, it really would help when the Penguins are contenders again.

Like previously mentioned, he should only go if there is an offer of a first-round pick plus more, if not then Dubas should be more than glad to hold on to him.

Home/Penguins News