Stanley Cup Winner on Vancouver’s Radar as Trade Rumors Surround Bryan Rust
As the NHL offseason heats up, the Vancouver Canucks are making headlines as they continue evaluating their roster needs ahead of the 2025-26 season. One name that has surfaced in recent trade chatter is veteran forward Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with a proven scoring touch and valuable playoff experience.
The 33-year-old winger could be available for trade this summer, according to multiple NHL insiders. Rust has spent his entire career with the Penguins since being drafted in the third round, and he just wrapped up his most productive campaign yet—registering an impressive 65 points (31 goals and 34 assists) over 71 games. While Pittsburgh has leaned on Rust for key offensive contributions in the past, the team’s current rebuilding direction may open the door for a potential move.
Vancouver Seeking Forward Help
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin and team president Jim Rutherford are expected to be active in player acquisition this offseason. With questions surrounding the future of top forward Brock Boeser—who many expect to depart in the coming weeks—Vancouver’s front office is reportedly targeting upgrades in the forward group. Their focus includes acquiring a skilled second-line center and a reliable top-six winger to complement their core.
Bryan Rust’s name has surfaced as a potential target due to his mix of scoring ability, veteran presence, and playoff pedigree. Vancouver’s interest in the Penguins forward, as reported by The Athletic’s Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance, is reportedly contingent on his availability—something that could change significantly when Rust’s no-movement clause (NMC) expires on July 1.
Expiring NMC Opens the Door
Rust currently has a no-movement clause in his contract, which gives him the ability to block trades to any team. However, that protection expires on July 1, which would allow the Penguins more flexibility in exploring trade options. As Pittsburgh eyes a roster overhaul under the leadership of GM Kyle Dubas, they are believed to be open to shedding salary and gaining younger assets, making Rust a logical trade candidate.
“With Bryan Rust’s no-movement clause coming to an end in early July, Pittsburgh could capitalize on his trade value as part of their rebuilding strategy,” Dayal and Drance noted in their recent coverage.
Veteran NHL reporter Pierre LeBrun of TSN also confirmed that interest in Rust is high, with numerous teams already contacting Pittsburgh about a potential deal. While he didn’t name Vancouver specifically, the Canucks are expected to be among the suitors keeping tabs on the situation.
“Plenty of teams are calling on Penguins forward Bryan Rust,” LeBrun shared in a recent report, emphasizing the buzz surrounding the veteran’s trade availability.
A Fit for Vancouver’s Plans?
From a hockey operations standpoint, Rust checks several boxes for the Canucks. His scoring output last season—31 goals, 34 assists—is not only impressive for a player in his early 30s, but also a strong indicator that he still has plenty left in the tank. Rust’s experience winning two Stanley Cups makes him an asset for any team looking to contend, and his ability to play both wings could offer lineup flexibility for head coach Rick Tocchet.
Rust still has three years remaining on his current contract, which carries a cap hit of $5.125 million annually. While that’s not an insignificant amount, it’s a manageable figure for a middle-six forward capable of putting up 60+ points a season and contributing on special teams.
If the Canucks are indeed preparing for Boeser’s departure—as has been widely speculated—bringing in a veteran like Rust could provide both short-term and long-term benefits. Not only would he help maintain scoring depth, but he could also serve as a mentor to younger forwards like Vasily Podkolzin, Nils Höglander, and others.
League-Wide Movement Expected
Rust is far from the only player whose name is circulating in offseason rumors. The NHL’s free agency period opens on July 1, and several high-profile names could hit the market, including Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, Boston Bruins veteran Brad Marchand, Florida’s Sam Bennett, and Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers.
For Vancouver, these developments are part of a larger strategic push to become a more serious contender in the Western Conference. The Canucks had a solid campaign last season and boast a strong core led by Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Thatcher Demko, but forward depth and secondary scoring remain concerns.
By potentially acquiring a player like Rust—who blends scoring, speed, and a winning mentality—the Canucks could address one of their biggest needs and signal their intent to compete at a higher level.
Penguins Looking to Rebuild
On the other side of the deal, Pittsburgh is shifting into a retooling phase as they begin transitioning from the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era. Though both franchise icons remain under contract, the organization appears focused on creating cap space and stockpiling assets for the future. Moving Rust could help them accomplish both goals, especially with younger forwards and prospects needing NHL minutes.
Pittsburgh’s willingness to entertain trade discussions for Rust stems from both a desire to rebuild and the practical realities of managing a veteran-heavy roster. At 33, Rust still carries strong trade value, and with the July 1 contract milestone looming, that value could be unlocked at exactly the right time for the Penguins.
What Happens Next?
As the calendar inches closer to free agency, teams around the league are preparing for what could be one of the more active offseasons in recent memory. Whether Vancouver ultimately lands Rust remains to be seen, but the reported interest is a strong signal that the Canucks are aiming to make bold moves.
Bryan Rust is a name to watch—especially once his no-movement clause officially expires. If the Penguins decide to move on from the veteran forward, and if the Canucks are serious about bolstering their attack, this could be a rare opportunity for Vancouver to acquire a proven winner who still has plenty to offer.
For now, all eyes are on July 1.
