New Jersey Devils Could Solve Winger Issue by Trading for Penguins’ Bryan Rust
The New Jersey Devils may have a new trade target in mind to address their winger shortage: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust. Known for his consistency and reliable play in the Metropolitan Division over the past decade, Rust could be the perfect addition to the Devils’ lineup.
Recent reports suggest the Penguins are looking to move Rust, a 33-year-old forward with three years left on his contract at a $5.125 million cap hit. With no trade protection in his deal, Rust is available for the right price.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, Rust had a career year last season, recording a personal-best 31 goals and 65 points. While he doesn’t have the physical stature that some fans or even the Devils may desire (standing at 5’11”), Rust has found great success playing alongside Sidney Crosby and could be a valuable asset for New Jersey.
After struggling to get production from players like Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer, the Devils could definitely benefit from adding a player like Rust to support Jack Hughes. Rust, a former third-round pick of the Penguins who was drafted with the help of Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald in 2010, has consistently netted 20 or more goals in each of the last six seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. However, teams should be cautious given his career-high numbers this past season, which could be a classic case of a player hitting a peak year before potentially regressing.
Bryan Rust: A Perfect Fit for the Devils?
With the Penguins aiming to get younger while still staying competitive during the latter years of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, they may be interested in a player like Mercer in exchange for Rust.
The Devils, on the other hand, don’t have much to offer in terms of immediate roster players unless they part with prospects like Lenni Hameenaho or Seamus Casey. However, New Jersey does have two second-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, which could be used as trade bait for other players the Penguins might be targeting.
Even if acquiring Rust requires some sacrifice, his skill set, experience, and affordable contract make him a worthwhile investment for the Devils. His $5.125 million cap hit is $875k less than Palat’s $6 million cap hit, which would give New Jersey additional flexibility. That small difference could also free up enough room to accommodate a player like Arseniy Gritsyuk with a $925k cap hit.
When you break it down, Rust might represent a great value—essentially getting two players for the cost of one, and both with high potential. The “division rival tax” could be a factor, but if Rust is truly available, he should be near the top of the Devils’ list of trade targets this offseason.
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