Leafs GM Brad Treliving Has Clear Path to Target Penguins Forward After NMC Expires

Rust's no-move clause has expired at the end of last season, meaning that the 33-year-old is free to be dealt by all 31 other NHL teams. Rust is on a reasonable deal with three years left at $5.125M.

The rebuilding Penguins would get considerable value for Rust, who last season at 33 had a career year with 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games for Pittsburgh, expanding on a strong peak that has come beginning in his late 20's, Rust a late bloomer who has shown little sign he's slowing down.

A trade for Rust is something that Pittsburgh may look to do while his value is highest.

With three-years left on his deal but on a team that is looking ahead to the near future that will be without longtime franchise cornerstones Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be the right team that jumps at the chance to pounce on Rust and deliver the Penguins an opportunity to plan for a successful future in the post-Crosby era.

Bryan Rust is a player who despite his age has been having some of his best years playing hockey.

Some Leafs fans have hesitancy at ripping up their shallow prospect pool, with the thought of Easton Cowan and Ben Danford a bit of an ask, but the lack of available futures options may make it difficult to keep such names out of discussions for Rust given his ability to be a top-six forward at his age.

Leafs social media may be underrating the value of Rust as teams know the Leafs are in need of a top-six winger who can replace the scoring touch of Mitch Marner as close as possible, and won't be afraid to be difficult in their ask.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need for offense could present a challenge as with a lack of prospect depth and without many young talents already in the lineup, they may be tasked with finding their Marner replacement at the cost of subtracting from an already thin pool of prospects.

But eschewing that, they may be able to sway Dubas by targeting a weak spot, and dangle his old draft pick Dennis Hildeby alongside perhaps Nick Robertson in order to make a deal; we know Dubas loves his old players and has shown to help in the past.

It'll be an interesting watch as Rust is going to have his fair share of suitors, but Brad Treliving might have a surprise up his sleeve yet, we just need to be patient.