The Pittsburgh Penguins endured a potentially season-altering defeat against the Calgary Flames, prompting speculation of an impending roster overhaul before the trade deadline. While several Penguins players could be available for trade, one crucial veteran forward appears set to remain with the team’s core.
Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines that teams have expressed interest in Bryan Rust, but the Penguins have no intentions of trading him. Rust’s contract includes a full no-move clause, and the Penguins have no plans to request that he waive it.
“Bryan Rust, who is currently sidelined due to injury, holds a no-move clause,” Friedman explained. “It appears that the Penguins recently approached Rust and assured him that they wouldn’t even request him to waive it.”
Friedman had previously indicated that the Penguins are unlikely to seek players’ approval to waive their trade clauses. Penguins’ general manager Kyle Dubas reaffirmed this stance in a pre-deadline press conference, stating that he hasn’t approached anyone about waiving their conditions.
“Rust is expected to remain with Pittsburgh,” Friedman confirmed. “Although he’s currently out due to injury, he is highly regarded, and other teams have inquired about him.”
Rust has missed the Penguins’ last three games due to an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week. He did not accompany the team on their current road trip.
In the 42 games he has played this season, Rust has recorded 18 goals and 18 assists, totaling 36 points. He is under contract for another four seasons, with a full no-move clause in place for just one more year.
Love Rust! Always have and always will!