The Detroit Red Wings entered this past season with the hope that they would take that next step. Yet, that did not occur, as they finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-38-5 record. With this, they extended their playoff drought to nine years.
After missing the playoffs again in 2024-25, the Red Wings had a pretty eventful off-season. They notably acquired three-time All-Star goalie John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. They were also busy in free agency, signing Mason Appleton, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Thus, they are sporting a different-looking roster heading into 2025-26.
Yet, when looking at the Red Wings’ current group, it is clear that they still could use another top-six winger. Due to this, one player who the Red Wings should seriously consider making a big push for is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.
Heavy Sports has a new trade proposal that would have the Red Wings acquire Rust from the Penguins in a major splash.
Red Wings Acquire:
Bryan Rust
Penguins Acquire:
2026 First-Round Pick (Top 15 Protected)
Michael Rasmussen
Amadeus Lombardi
Bryan Rust Among NHL’s Top Trade Candidates
With the Penguins in the middle of a rebuild, Rust has been a very popular name in the rumor mill this summer. There is no question that many NHL teams would love to acquire Rust from the Penguins. The 32-year-old winger just had a very good season with Pittsburgh in 2024-25, setting new career highs with 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games. With numbers like these, he would be a major addition to the Red Wings’ top six if acquired.
Due to the rumors surrounding Rust this off-season, he landed the No. 5 spot on The Fourth Period’s 2025 Summer Trade Watch List.
“Rust has three years left on his contract and his full no-movement clause expired at the end of June 30, leaving him without any no-trade protection,” The Fourth Period reported. “There is already plenty of interest out there and with Pittsburgh in sell mode, he could be had but will command a high package if the Penguins part with him.”
With Rust having multiple years left on his deal and being a proven top-six winger, he would be a big-time pickup for a Red Wings club looking to take that next step. It also does not hurt that he is a two-time Stanley Cup winner.
Why Red Wings Could Land Rust With This Trade Offer
With Rust having a great contract, the Red Wings would need to offer a lot to get him. As a result, their 2026 first-round pick, Michael Rasmussen, and Amadeus Lombardi could get this deal done.
With the Penguins rebuilding, they are looking to improve their prospect pool, Due to this, any potential Rust trade would likely need to include a first-round pick.
With Rasmussen, the Penguins would be landing a solid third-line forward who kills penalties and is right in his prime at 26. In 77 games this past season for Detroit, he posted 11 goals, 21 points, and 141 hits.
As for Lombardi, the Penguins would be bringing in a promising, skilled forward prospect. The 5-foot-11 center posted 19 goals and 40 points in 44 AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins last year. With numbers like these, the 22-year-old certainly could grab the attention of Pittsburgh.