Avalanche reportedly inching closer to blockbuster deal for Penguins star forward
Photo credit: Mile High Sticking
According to reports, the Colorado Avalanche are moving closer to finalizing a blockbuster trade that would bring Pittsburgh Penguins star forward Bryan Rust to Denver.
Rust has already been linked to the Avalanche in trade rumours throughout this offseason.
Avalanche inching closer on blockbuster deal for Bryan Rust.
Ryan O'Hara from Mile High Sticking writes that while a trade for Sidney Crosby might not be realistic, the Avalanche could benefit from pursuing a more practical, and potentially more impactful move.
"Pursuing another Pittsburgh Penguin in Bryan Rust presents a compelling opportunity. His seasoned leadership, championship pedigree, and relentless competitive drive make him an ideal fit for an organization that, in recent years, has experienced more attrition than reinforcement.
In a locker room seeking stability and renewed urgency, Rust's presence could serve as both catalyst and compass." -O'Hara
In a locker room seeking stability and renewed urgency, Rust's presence could serve as both catalyst and compass." -O'Hara
At 33, Rust quietly put together a career-best campaign, recording 31 goals and 65 assists in 71 games for a Penguins team that spent much of the season languishing near the bottom of the division.
"As the Avalanche seek to capitalize on a championship window that grows narrower with each passing season, the integration of a proven winner like Rust offers both strategic value and cultural resonance.
His addition would not only bolster Colorado's playoff pedigree but also complement a roster that is aging. The result is a compelling balance of energy, experience, championship resolve, and much-needed depth." -O'Hara
His addition would not only bolster Colorado's playoff pedigree but also complement a roster that is aging. The result is a compelling balance of energy, experience, championship resolve, and much-needed depth." -O'Hara
The main hurdle in pursuing a trade for Rust is Pittsburgh's likely demand in return. For the Avalanche, their only truly valuable trade chip is Martin Necas.
Such a deal comes with both pros and cons. On one hand, Colorado would be giving up a 26-year-old forward with talent and upward trajectory to develop into a 90 to 100-point player within the next one to two seasons.
A straight one-for-one swap of Rust for Necas appears unlikely. Any deal would probably require the addition of one or more draft picks, along with Colorado taking on half of Rust's remaining contract.
He is signed through the 2027-28 season with an annual cap hit of $5.125 million.
He is signed through the 2027-28 season with an annual cap hit of $5.125 million.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 9 | 42 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly inching closer to blockbuster deal for Penguins star forward Would you trade Necas in exchange for Penguins forward Bryan Rust? | ||
| yes | 19 | 45.2 % |
| no | 23 | 54.8 % |
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