​The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the NHL’s busiest teams this offseason, reshaping their roster in pursuit of finally breaking through in the Stanley Cup race. After trading Darnell Nurse, hiring Mike Babcock as head coach, and adding veterans such as Ryan Shea and Frederik Andersen, many observers believe Edmonton still needs one more proven top-six winger to complete its lineup. With that in mind, NHL insider Jason Gregor has highlighted a player he views as an ideal fit for Connor McDavid’s championship bid.
Bryan Rust, the Pittsburgh Penguins winger, has emerged as a potential target for Edmonton. While Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t actively shopping Rust, Pittsburgh is in the midst of an organizational retool aimed at younger players, which has placed the 34-year-old top-six forward in high demand. When discussing Edmonton’s options, Gregor said Rust would top his list of trade targets. “If I could get Bryan Rust at the deadline, I would take him. Rust has been exceptionally consistent, and I admire how he plays. He’s playoff-tested and understands how to compete; he can score, but I also appreciate the way he scores,” Gregor explained.
Gregor also suggested he isn’t entirely sold on the Penguins’ current trajectory. “I’m not sold on the Penguins right now. They surprised me last year; I didn’t expect them to reach the playoffs. So, I could be wrong again, but I’d be willing to bet and say, okay, let’s see if Pittsburgh’s out of it. If that happens, we can strike a deal with them,” he added.
Rust has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable secondary scorers. He excels without needing the puck on his stick, relying on his speed, relentless forechecking, and strong two-way play to make an impact. Those attributes could pair well with either McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, giving Edmonton a dangerous, complementary scoring option who can contribute in all zones.
Crucially, Rust brings championship experience that Edmonton has been actively seeking. He played a pivotal role in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017 and has appeared in 85 playoff games, developing a reputation for delivering when it matters most. This pedigree makes him an appealing addition for a team chasing another deep postseason run.
Edmonton’s financial reality also figures into the discussion. With two more seasons left on Rust’s contract at a manageable $5.125 million cap hit, the Oilers would not be acquiring him as a short-term rental. He would provide two playoff cycles alongside McDavid’s ongoing tenure, all while preserving financial flexibility after the potential move away from Nurse’s contract. The feasibility of a Rust acquisition hinges on one critical condition, however: Pittsburgh’s playoff status. If the Penguins fall out of the race, Edmonton could capitalize quickly, positioning itself as a leading suitor for the two-time Stanley Cup champion.
If a Pittsburgh playoff slide materializes, the Oilers could seize the moment and pursue Rust as a key piece to push McDavid and company over the top. The potential fit is compelling: a seasoned, reliable winger who can contribute in all phases of the game, bring coveted championship experience, and augment Edmonton’s scoring depth without sacrificing long-term cap flexibility. As Gregor pointed out, the pipeline for a deal would depend on Pittsburgh’s postseason outlook, but the potential reward for Edmonton could be substantial.
In summary, Jason Gregor’s assessment positions Bryan Rust as a premier trade target for the Oilers should Pittsburgh’s season tilt toward the lottery, offering a veteran, playoff-tested winger who complements Edmonton’s star players and anchors a durable, high-scoring forward group. If the timing aligns and Pittsburgh becomes open to moving him, Edmonton could solidify its offensive core for multiple playoff runs while maintaining the flexibility needed to navigate the salary cap in the years ahead.