<\/p>\n
Toronto holds a first-round pick in 2027 which they acquired in the Nic Roy deal, and it could be the asset that brings in Bryan Rust<\/a> as their new top-six presence.<\/p>\n In need of a top-six forward to round out the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a few opportunities to bring in some veteran talent via free agency (though need to make some cap space to do so). Patrick Kane has been a name thrown around sporadically,<\/a> and Vladimir Tarasenko<\/a> and Anthony Mantha<\/a> remain unsigned.<\/p>\n They don’t have a lot of assets to work with and already traded the majority of the pieces that will fetch them any real return; at least one that doesn’t hurt their future pipeline. Morgan Rielly<\/a> could be dealt but that’s easier said than done, and the team will have to use their first-round pick from 2027 in order to protect their young guns.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Which is perfect, considering that the Pittsburgh Penguins hold the player that would help balance Toronto’s lineup, and with them looking towards the future – that pick plays right up their alley.<\/p>\n Colorado’s first-round pick gives Toronto a legitimate centrepiece for Bryan Rust<\/p>\n We previously talked about Rust back in October<\/a> regarding his price and reports stated back then that he and Rickard Rakell<\/a> were going to cost a top-tier prospect and a high pick. Well, Toronto essentially already gave them a top prospect in Nick Robertson, who could be a star with a fresh change of scenery.<\/p>\n That was before Rust had a solid 65-point season which included 29 goals, so his price could be going up. But with the Metropolitan already getting a lot harder, and the Penguins getting older – it could be time to trade him while the iron’s hot.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Plus he’s not that pricey at only $5.125-million until 2028 and has no trade protection so if it doesn’t work out, he’s not too hard to recoup assets for.<\/p>\n Kyle Dubas can take solace in the fact that Toronto won’t ask for retention, and have no issues giving away that pick if it means improving the lineup. Throw in a player like William Villeneuve<\/a> or Noah Chadwick<\/a> and you help the Penguins future on the blueline too.<\/p>\n Toronto basically gave Robertson to him for free, and if the Pens are going to focus on building around the future which includes Ben Kindel and Tomas Galvas<\/a>, then adding a first-rounder is an obvious play for Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh’s asking price will depend on whether the Penguins prioritize futures or NHL help
<\/p>\n But again, this is a team who only has a couple years left of Evgeni Malkin<\/a>, Erik Karlsson<\/a>, Kris Letang, and most notably – Sidney Crosby<\/a>.<\/p>\n They may decide to buck the future for now in the hopes of bringing their loyal veterans a Cup one last time, and as we saw last year the Penguins were able to ride the momentum of a new coach and made the postseason.<\/p>\n If Dubas and his crew decide to do what Toronto is doing and go all-in with their veterans, then it’s unlikely they are going to take Rust’s offence out of the lineup. However, we could see a potential early season deal if Pittsburgh struggles and decides it needs a shakeup.<\/p>\n Rust is consistent and reliable, which is tough for a team who is going to suddenly lose a lot of their consistency in the coming seasons. It may take more than just a first-rounder to get a deal done, but it’s a starting point the Penguins need to consider in case things go south.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs adding Bryan Rust going to be the best way to round out the Maple Leafs lineup?<\/p>\n