Countdown to Chaos: 10 NHL Stars Whose Surprising Trades Could Shake the 2025-26 Season
Andersson plays a premium position and a rugged game. He’s effective at winning puck battles and doesn’t shy away from engaging physically. He’s also averaged more than 23 minutes per night across the last five seasons while playing in all situations.
2. Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 33
Position: Winger
Contract term: 2028 UFA
Cap hit: $5.125 million
A beloved member of the Penguins and cherished linemate of Sidney Crosby, there’s a strong possibility that Rust finds himself as one of the best forwards available ahead of the trade deadline. It’s no secret that Pittsburgh is well into a retool and focused on getting younger. While Rust’s speed, forechecking prowess and two-way ability have allowed his game to age gracefully, the fact remains that the 33-year-old is on a cap-friendly contract ($5.125 million average annual value through 2027-28), which arguably makes him more valuable to a team trying to win the Stanley Cup right now. He also saw the no-movement clause in his deal disappear last summer, which means that his fate rests entirely in the hands of Penguins management.
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