The Detroit Red Wings have been active this offseason, but still could use another top-line forward.
NHL analyst Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report links the Red Wings to trading for Pittsburgh Penguins star winger Bryan Rust. Rust would be a top-six forward and add some much-needed offense to Detroit’s lineup, which is looking to snap its nine-year playoff drought.
“This might be one of the most sensible options for several reasons. For one, Detroit needs to do something significant this offseason,” Gretz wrote. “The Red Wings have been way too quiet for a team that should be desperate to make the playoffs, and could use Rust’s two-way ability.
“They also have more than $12 million in salary-cap space, and Rust is from Pontiac, Michigan. The Red Wings also have a full cupboard of draft picks and a solid prospect pool that could be enticing to a Penguins team that is looking to add more young talent,” Gretz added. “The Red Wings missed on pretty much everybody in free agency and have not made any major trades. Rust would be a great way to change that if they could pull it off.”
Rust has three years left on his six-year, $30.75 million deal with the Penguins, but his name has come up in trade rumors.
The 33-year-old would be a top-six forward for Detroit and also adds Cup-winning experience to the lineup. He won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017 with the Penguins. Last season, he recorded 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points in 71 games.
Penguins Have Been Fielding Trade Calls on Rust
Pittsburgh is looking to enter a rebuild and is looking to trade Rust, as well as Rickard Rakell.
Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports that Pittsburgh has been getting trade calls on both, and all signs point to them trading at least one of them this summer.
“Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell remain considerable commodities on the trade market and, league and Penguins sources said, opposing teams still have heavy interest in both wingers,” Yohe wrote. “Penguins general manager/president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas doesn’t feel like he needs to trade either of the standout veterans. After all, they’re terrific talents who enjoy playing in Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby loves being their linemate, and they’re fairly paid….
“If trading them for high value is the goal, stirring up a bidding war between contenders at the trade deadline in March wouldn’t be the worst route,” Yohe added. “However, league sources say they expect at least one of the wingers to be dealt this summer.”
The Penguins would likely be able to get quite a bit in return for Rust, given he has three years left on his contract. He’s also a proven playoff performer, which would be a bonus for the Red Wings.
Red Wings Have Cap Space to Acquire Rust
Even though Detroit has been active this offseason, the Red Wings still can afford to acquire Rust.
Detroit has plenty of assets to make the move, and Red Wings’ GM Steve Yzerman hinted at the team making another move.
“It’s just been my experience over the years that things kind of work themselves out,” Yzerman said. “Opportunities arise. You try to force it or chase it, there’s too many years, too many dollars or you give up too much in a trade… Trying to be diligent, maybe patient, just wait for the right player, the right opportunity, whether it is in a trade or in free agency, to add to our lineup and use our assets wisely if we can.”
The Red Wings have just over $12 million in cap space.
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