Toronto holds a first-round pick in 2027 which they acquired in the Nic Roy deal, and it could be the asset that brings in Bryan Rust as their new top-six presence.
In need of a top-six forward to round out the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a few opportunities to bring in some veteran talent via free agency (though need to make some cap space to do so). Patrick Kane has been a name thrown around sporadically, and Vladimir Tarasenko and Anthony Mantha remain unsigned.
They don't have a lot of assets to work with and already traded the majority of the pieces that will fetch them any real return; at least one that doesn't hurt their future pipeline. Morgan Rielly could be dealt but that's easier said than done, and the team will have to use their first-round pick from 2027 in order to protect their young guns.
Which is perfect, considering that the Pittsburgh Penguins hold the player that would help balance Toronto's lineup, and with them looking towards the future - that pick plays right up their alley.
Colorado's first-round pick gives Toronto a legitimate centrepiece for Bryan Rust
We previously talked about Rust back in October regarding his price and reports stated back then that he and Rickard Rakell were going to cost a top-tier prospect and a high pick. Well, Toronto essentially already gave them a top prospect in Nick Robertson, who could be a star with a fresh change of scenery.
That was before Rust had a solid 65-point season which included 29 goals, so his price could be going up. But with the Metropolitan already getting a lot harder, and the Penguins getting older - it could be time to trade him while the iron's hot.
Plus he's not that pricey at only $5.125-million until 2028 and has no trade protection so if it doesn't work out, he's not too hard to recoup assets for.
Kyle Dubas can take solace in the fact that Toronto won't ask for retention, and have no issues giving away that pick if it means improving the lineup. Throw in a player like William Villeneuve or Noah Chadwick and you help the Penguins future on the blueline too.
Toronto basically gave Robertson to him for free, and if the Pens are going to focus on building around the future which includes Ben Kindel and Tomas Galvas, then adding a first-rounder is an obvious play for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh's asking price will depend on whether the Penguins prioritize futures or NHL help
But again, this is a team who only has a couple years left of Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and most notably - Sidney Crosby.
They may decide to buck the future for now in the hopes of bringing their loyal veterans a Cup one last time, and as we saw last year the Penguins were able to ride the momentum of a new coach and made the postseason.
If Dubas and his crew decide to do what Toronto is doing and go all-in with their veterans, then it's unlikely they are going to take Rust's offence out of the lineup. However, we could see a potential early season deal if Pittsburgh struggles and decides it needs a shakeup.
Rust is consistent and reliable, which is tough for a team who is going to suddenly lose a lot of their consistency in the coming seasons. It may take more than just a first-rounder to get a deal done, but it's a starting point the Penguins need to consider in case things go south.
Is adding Bryan Rust going to be the best way to round out the Maple Leafs lineup?
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