2 Sabres Potential Trade Targets From The Penguins

The Buffalo Sabres should be looking to add to their forward group.

It is clear that they would benefit by adding another top-six winger to their roster during the early stages of the season. When looking at potential trading partners, the Pittsburgh Penguins stand out.

The Penguins are struggling this season, and multiple of their players have been creating chatter as a trade candidates because of it.

Due to this, let's look at two specific Penguins forwards who the Sabres should consider targeting. 

If the Penguins officially shop Bryan Rust this season, the Sabres would be wise to target him. He is exactly the kind of veteran top-six winger the Sabres could use, especially after moving on from Alex Tuch this off-season.

Rust is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury but is expected to return next month. Thus, if Pittsburgh is continuing to struggle then, the Sabres should consider pursuing Rust. 

In nine games this season for Pittsburgh, Rust has posted three goals and five points. He also scored at least 29 goals and recorded 65 points in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. 

Rickard Rakell is another veteran Penguins forward who could be a good match for the Sabres. The 33-year-old forward has been the subject of trade rumors for a while now and would be an interesting player for Buffalo to add. 

Rakell has recorded six goals and 10 points in 18 games this season with the Penguins. However, he has been heating up as of late, posting five goals and six points over his last seven games. He also had 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games last season, so he could give Buffalo's offense a bit of a boost if acquired. This would be especially so if he regained his 2024-25 form, as he had 35 goals and 70 points in 81 games that season.