November 27, 2024 | 4:25pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CLUBS KEEPING TABS ON RUST IN PITTSBURGH

Bryan Rust, forward

As the NHL hits the quarter mark of its season, teams are beginning to put together lists of targets they may pursue or inquire about later in the year.

With the Pittsburgh Penguins open for business, GM Kyle Dubas is willing to listen to calls on almost every one of his players, including forwards like Rickard Rakell, Michael Bunting and Bryan Rust.

In the case of Rust, who has three more years on his contract, any move the Penguins explore is more likely to occur in the second half of the season.

Rust, 32, owns a full no-movement clause this season and will have a say in where he ends up if he is willing to waive it and accept a trade. While he is earning $6.1 million in salary this season, his salary drops to $5.13 million next season and $3.66 million in each of the final two years of his contract.

During Wednesday’s edition of “The Latest” on TFP, David Pagnotta was asked if Rust could be in play.

“Well, he’s available. If you talk to people around the league, Kyle Dubas has made it known that pretty much everybody including Rust is available. You mentioned he has a no-movement clause – that expires July 1, 2025.

“For teams that want to get an offensive guy, he’s gonna be attractive piece. Now, I can tell you (the Penguins) have not had any discussions with Rust or his camp about the possibility of waving his no-movement clause. It’s too early right now, that hasn’t even crossed their minds. However, as we get closer to the deadline, he could be a piece that teams look at because of his controllability, because he’s got term and because Pittsburgh is looking to shake things up.”

The Penguins are reportedly continuing to take calls on a number of their players, including defenceman Marcus Pettersson and forwards Drew O'Connor, Anthony Beauvillier and Matt Nieto, all of whom are playing on expiring contracts.

Dubas will look to stock up his draft pick capital by moving out some of his players. The Penguins have draft picks in each round except the second-round in the 2025 NHL Draft – they currently have a total of three third-round draft picks and three fifth-round picks next summer.