The Pittsburgh Penguins opened camp this week with plenty of attention on the ice, but the real buzz came from storylines away from the drills. After a summer of changes and chatter about where the franchise is headed, the group hit the ice looking to prove it can stay competitive in a year of transition.
Could the Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Away One of Its Most Loyal Veterans?
One name that hasn’t escaped conversation is Bryan Rust. The veteran winger has been linked to trade rumors since July, but he wasted little time making his feelings clear. Rust told reporters he has no interest in moving on and wants to finish his career in the only NHL sweater he’s ever worn.
“I plan on playing here until I’m 40,” Rust said after the first day of camp. He admitted he’s heard the speculation, mostly from friends and family sending him headlines, but insisted it hasn’t shaken his focus. In his words, it’s simply “nature of the business.”
Rust is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $30.75 million deal that runs through 2028. With his no-movement clause expiring earlier this summer, front-office options naturally widened, and that has fueled outside talk.
Even so, Rust made it clear he isn’t thinking about hypothetical trades as his attention remains on helping the Penguins win now.
Asked about the mood in camp, Rust pointed to the pace and intensity of the practices. He said the energy felt different compared to recent years, with veterans setting the tone and younger players pushing hard for roles.
“It brings a new found excitement…It’s almost like coming to a new team,” Rust explained, citing the coaching staff changes and fresh faces in the lineup.
A Tough Call for the Front Office
Rust and fellow winger Rickard Rakell are widely seen as the players most likely to draw interest if the Penguins pivot toward a sell-off. According to reports, general manager Kyle Dubas is holding firm on the idea that only a significant return, a top prospect, or a first-round pick would be enough to make a deal.
Of course, Rust’s numbers only strengthen his case as a valuable asset. He’s coming off his best season, with 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games. With a cap hit just north of $5 million, his contract is viewed as manageable for contenders in need of scoring help. Teams like Toronto and Detroit have already been linked as potential suitors.
Rust, for his part, is trying not to get caught up in the speculation. He said he feels proud of the bond he has with the city and fan base and doesn’t see that changing. Whether the business side of the sport interferes is something he can’t control, but for now, his focus is squarely on the ice.