Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now has an insightful article this morning exploring what the Pittsburgh Penguins would want in return if they trade Michigan native Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.

The Red Wings, still looking for another scorer, presumably would have interest in either of those players.

Kingerski’s take on the Rakell value in the marketplace: “A good B+ level prospect or young player, a draft pick in the 25th to 48th range (first half of the second round), and based on the value (or lack thereof) of the first two assets, perhaps a depth NHL player, such as a bottom-six forward, backup goalie, or third-pair defenseman type, whom Dubas could flip for another asset.”

Kingerski believes the “sky-high” price for Rust would be “a guaranteed first-round pick and a young player who projects to be able to fill Rust’s role within a season or two.”

“Rust is difficult to pin down because, like its value, there are intangibles,” Kingerski wrote. “On paper, Rust and Rakell should not be much different, but they very much are. There’s as much emotion involved in the acquisition as there is value. Rust would be an extraordinary addition to a team that wants to learn how to win. Hello, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, or even the Ottawa Senators.”

Kingerski added: “Could he turn Detroit, Buffalo, or even the Anaheim Ducks into a playoff team? Well, yes. Not only does that step in success mean team growth, it also means fan growth and millions in playoff revenues. So, every GM who calls can argue what Rust is worth on paper, but Dubas has been wise to hold on because those intangible values can also help the Penguins get from here to there in their transition.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Goalie Jan Bednar hasn’t given up on his dream to play in the NHL and gives thanks for how the Red Wings’ organization treated him.

Paywall story: DHN ranks Detroit’s Top 10 NHL prospects and projects their ETA into the Detroit lineup. To subscribe, click here:

If you are curious about seeing Joe Veleno in a Montreal Canadiens jersey, you won’t have to wait long for the chance. The Red Wings open against Montreal on Oct. 9

Red Wings Extra

Coach Todd McLellan’s team will be playing a road game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first Amazon Prime game of the season on Oct. 13. That’s Canada’s Thanksgiving and the game will start at 4 p.m.

Canadian Thanksgiving on Oct. 13 will mark the first games available on Prime Monday Night Hockey, featuring a doubleheader between the @DetroitRedWings/@MapleLeafs and @StLouisBlues/@Canucks.

Full details: https://t.co/8tFeFa0U6J pic.twitter.com/YLw5IiNbDQ

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) July 17, 2025

Hockey Now Network
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