The Detroit Red Wings came into last season hoping to finally take the next step forward, but things didn’t pan out that way. They wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with a 39-38-5 record, extending their playoff drought to nine straight years.
Following another disappointing finish, the Red Wings had an active offseason. They pulled off a major trade to land three-time All-Star goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks and made several signings in free agency, adding Mason Appleton, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, and Jacob Bernard-Docker. As a result, their lineup has a fresh look heading into the 2025-26 season.
Still, even with those moves, Detroit’s roster feels incomplete. They’re missing another proven top-six winger, and one player who should be on their radar is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.
According to a recent trade suggestion from Heavy Sports, Rust would be acquired by the Red Wings from the Penguins in a big splash.
Red Wings Get:
Bryan Rust
Penguins Get:
2026 First-Round Selection (Top 15 Safe)
Rasmussen, Michael
Lombardi, Amadeus
Bryan Rust Among NHL’s Top Trade Candidates
Bryan Rust’s name has been circulating heavily in trade rumors this summer as the Pittsburgh Penguins continue their rebuild. At 32, the veteran winger is coming off one of the best years of his career, posting 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games during the 2024-25 season. Those numbers make him an attractive target for any team, and he’d immediately boost the Red Wings’ top-six if Detroit made a move for him.
Because of the speculation, Rust was ranked No. 5 on The Fourth Period’s 2025 Summer Trade Watch List. The outlet noted that Rust’s full no-movement clause expired on June 30, meaning he no longer has trade protection. With three years left on his contract and plenty of teams interested, the Penguins could move him but only for a strong return.
Given his proven scoring ability, championship experience as a two-time Stanley Cup winner, and term left on his deal, Rust would be a significant addition for a Red Wings team trying to push themselves back into contention.
Why Red Wings Could Land Rust With This Trade Offer
To land a player like Bryan Rust, the Red Wings would have to put together a pretty strong trade package. One possible deal could include their 2026 first-round pick, along with Michael Rasmussen and prospect Amadeus Lombardi.
Since the Penguins are in rebuild mode, a first-round pick would almost certainly be a must in any trade. Rasmussen, meanwhile, would give Pittsburgh a dependable third-line forward who’s in his prime at 26 and plays a physical, two-way game. Last season, he chipped in 11 goals, 21 points, and 141 hits over 77 games while also logging key minutes on the penalty kill.
Lombardi would add some upside to the deal. The 22-year-old center is a crafty playmaker who put up 19 goals and 40 points in just 44 games with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. With his skill and production, he’s the type of young player who could catch Pittsburgh’s eye as they look to stock their system with future talent.