Pittsburgh Penguins veteran winger Bryan Rust has been linked to trade discussions involving multiple teams, including the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast.
The Penguins have bolstered their forward pipeline by drafting Benjamin Kindel at No. 11 overall, and GM Kyle Dubas appears to be open to offers for veteran forwards. Even though Rust posted a career-best season in 2024-25, Pittsburgh’s rebuild means he and Rickard Rakell are among the tradeable players that contenders may target for scoring help.
- Friedman also discussed that while the New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in retaining pending restricted free agent Cody Glass, the team may not have the financial flexibility to do so. With several pending free agents—including Curtis Lazar, Brian Dumoulin, and Jake Allen—and a significant restricted free agent in Luke Hughes, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald must be strategic in allocating the team’s $14.3 million in cap space (per PuckPedia). Glass spent last season between the Penguins and Devils and posted a combined six goals and 22 points in 65 games. The former sixth overall pick (and first in Golden Knights history), added a career-high 51.2 faceoff win percentage.