With the 2025-26 NHL season just around the corner, teams are preparing for opening night and getting their rosters set for the 5:00 p.m. deadline.
So with the start of the season comes trade rumours. Typically, the start of the season doesn’t have a ton of trades. However, this year, with teams having more cap space, that could change.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, there is an inner-division player who could be of interest. Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins could be someone that general manager Don Waddell tries to swing for the fences to acquire.
Rust, 33, has been a very good forward for the Penguins over his career. Last season, in 71 games, he scored 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points, setting a career-high in goals and points while tying his career-high in assists.
According to The Fourth Period, they have him listed as a potential trade candidate from their Summer Trade Watch List. Rust is ranked No. 5, and they believe the Blue Jackets are one of the teams reportedly linked to him.
Here is what they had to say about him:
"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. 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."
As mentioned, Rust now has no trade protection, which means the Blue Jackets could get a deal done for him.
A name that comes to mind in Columbus is Yegor Chinakhov, who the Penguins could be interested in. He is young, could fit in with their rebuild, and if given the chance, could reach his potential. He is also on an expiring deal, and although he is a restricted free agent, it wouldn’t be shocking if Waddell looks to find him a new home. Because of that, it makes sense that he would be one of the pieces going to Pittsburgh for Rust.
The trade would likely also involve a first-round draft pick, but Waddell may opt to trade next year’s instead of 2026’s first-rounder. As well, another high-end prospect like Luca Pinelli could be a name that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is interested in.
If there is a chance for the Blue Jackets to get a top-line winger who can play alongside Adam Fantilli for the next three years while only making $5.25 million per season, it seems like a no-brainer trade for Waddell to pull off.
Yes, you are getting rid of a future asset in the first-round pick and Pinelli, but eventually, this team needs to move into “win-now” mode. And that comes with parting with assets to try and make your team as good as it can be. Adding Rust drastically improves the Blue Jackets’ roster and their chances of making the playoffs and going on a run.
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