Penguins to retain Rust and Rakell amid Nurse trade buzz

Bryan Rust tallied a career-high 65 points in just 72 games during the 2025-26 season at age 34.

Rust draws stronger market interest than Rakell

Josh Yohe reported that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has fielded more calls for Bryan Rust than for Rickard Rakell this offseason. Rust’s two-way reliability and role alongside Sidney Crosby elevate his value despite turning 34. The 34-year-old forward carries a $5.125 million AAV with two years remaining and no no-trade protection.

Rickard Rakell posted 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games after missing 20 contests with a hand injury. The 33-year-old winger holds an eight-team no-trade list and a $5 million AAV on the final two years of his deal. Dubas prefers NHL-ready talent in any return rather than futures alone.

Interest in Rakell surfaced at the 2026 trade deadline yet produced no acceptable offers. Rust’s 29 goals and consistent production make him the more attractive rental option for contending clubs seeking secondary scoring.

Dubas has stated both players remain available only at the right price and would likely stay unless a desperate bidder emerges before training camp.

Letang generates minimal external traction

Kris Letang remains available according to the same reporting but draws no serious suitors at age 39. The defenseman owns two years at a $6.1 million AAV following a noticeable performance dip.

Any potential deal would require the Penguins to absorb significant cap complications without meaningful assets in return. Observers view Letang’s situation as the least likely to produce movement this summer.

Nurse trade request narrows Edmonton’s options

Darnell Nurse submitted a trade request last week with a short list of three to five preferred destinations. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman has four years left at a $9.25 million AAV plus a full no-movement clause.

Philadelphia emerged as one rumored landing spot with reports of mutual interest between the Flyers and Nurse’s camp. Oilers management prefers no salary retention which could force acceptance of an aging veteran contract in exchange.

Sean Couturier is unlikely to waive his own no-movement clause to facilitate any swap given Philadelphia’s recent on-ice improvement. Edmonton’s leverage stays constrained unless retention enters the discussion ahead of the October start.