The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, but the opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, either in a swap for defenseman Bowen Byram, or for a package of younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks.
Adams may be relying on the return for Byram to bring back the replacement for Peterka, but if the Sabres choose to keep the restricted free agent blueliner, can they put together a deal for the player they need that would be attractive to another club?
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Two-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Rust is likely to be one of the next victims of Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas’ purge of the Penguins to improve their chances to finish dead last and have the best chance of winning the lottery and selecting presumptive top pick Gavin McKenna next June. Dubas is expected to try moving out forward Rickard Rakell as well, potentially Sidney Crosby, and what is left of the Penguins championship core group.
The 33-year-old winger has spent all 11 seasons with the Penguins, and posted a career-high in goals (31) and points (65) last season. The two aspects that have to make Rust an extremely enticing target for Adams is the three years in term remaining at an AAV of $5.125 million, and that he does not have any no-trade protection. Unlike the Dallas Stars, who are undoubtedly looking for NHL players in return for winger Jason Robertson, the Penguins would be looking for young prospects for Rust. That makes the Sabres and Pittsburgh an excellent fit for a potential trade.
What Would It Cost?
The issue for Adams is not a lack of attractive pieces that Dubas would be interested in, it will be that half the league will be in competition with him for Rust. Youngsters like Zach Benson or Jack Quinn, who have two or more years of NHL experience under their belt would have to be part of the package, along with a secondary prospect like Isak Rosen or Noah Ostlund, or a lottery-protected first round pick.
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