© Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesYesterday, news came out from The Athletic that the Columbus Blue Jackets have expressed interest in Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.
The report also included the Detroit Red Wings as a potential landing spot for the Penguins forward. Regardless, Rust's impact on a young team like Detroit or Columbus would be huge.
He is a proven winner, playing big minutes alongside one of the best of all time in Sidney Crosby. He could step into the Blue Jackets' locker room and be a voice of experience with a winning mentality, which would be a big help to the young core.
Rust, 32, carries an AAV of $5.1 million for the next four seasons. So far, through 57 games, he has 22 goals and 27 assists, totaling 49 points. His career high in points came back in 2021-22 when he recorded 58.
If the Blue Jackets can manage to acquire Rust from the Penguins, it may cost them a younger piece of their current roster. However, the impact would be felt instantly.
He is the type of player you may need to pay a bit of a higher price for since he would improve the roster while bringing experience and offensive production.
