Analyst Floats Bryan Rust as Maple Leafs Fit, But One Factor Blocks It
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Analyst Jay Rosehill named Bryan Rust as a potential fit for the Maple Leafs' top-six however he mentioned one key factor that is acting as a roadblock.
There have been several reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins want to dump some of their veteran deals in order to have a better chance at drafting Gavin McKenna next summer, and bring in a new era in Steeltown.
The Maple Leafs are one of the teams who could use one of their veterans, and one who might make the biggest difference is Bryan Rust. Playing with Sidney Crosby for years, he thrives with elite talent, and could find quick chemistry with Auston Matthews.
What The Analyst Said About Bryan Rust As A Maple Leafs Fit
However, for Jay Rosehill of Leafs Morning Take, he believes that while Rust is a very good asset for the Maple Leafs, there is a caveat in bringing him in, that being his position on the ice:
I do think there is a forward who can come in, complement everyone and shuffle people into their place. Is Rust the guy? I'm straddling the line, I'm not taking or leaving it.
If he was a counterman I would take it, but because he's not I'm on the fence.
If he was a counterman I would take it, but because he's not I'm on the fence.
But is Rosehill correct? Does Rust's position have anything to do with it?
Why Being A Winger Blocks Rust From Trade Consideration In Toronto
It's a bit of an odd point considering Toronto needs a winger to replace Mitch Marner, but it's actually more about giving John Tavares a bit more of a break. The goal eventually is to slide him to the wing, and while Nic Roy is good, he's not 2C material.
So if Rust happened to be a pivot, there is a solid chance the team would be more enticed to bring him in and move Tavares left; now the team has a solidified top-six with a ton of flexibility down the middle.
But adding him at his age (33) and price ($5.125-million AAV) is a bit of a risk due to regression, and if Toronto is getting rid of a first rounder; they may again live to regret trading it away.
The Leafs' Ongoing Need For A True Second-Line Center Option
For as good as John Tavares is, he's going to be 35 heading into this season, and while he was great last season, it's unlikely he is able to replicate it exactly. Very rarely do 34-year olds score 38 goals, and with immense pressure on him now Mitch Marner is gone; it might be too much for him to handle.
Plus, he's sticking around but he won't be the center forever, and guys like Roy and youngsters such as Easton Cowan are good but not 2C's.
So it's imperative Toronto makes a deal for someone who cannot only take the torch from Tavares, but provide the same level of output consistently.
It was a lot of talk previously about the team needing a 3C, but since that's been cleared up, the focus is now on adding a 2C.
It's a good thing that 2026 free agency is going to have a fantastic group to choose from. Fans are just going to need to be a bit more patient.
