"Starting with the Bryan Rust rumors, these make little sense. The 33 year old winger win two Cup with Mike Sullivan, but that's where the connection to the Rangers likely ends. While Rust would meet some needs, such as secondary scoring depth at wing, that's the only criteria he meets. The Rangers want to get younger and faster, of which the Bryan Rust rumors don't address. He's on the back nine of his career and the Rangers don't need another 33+ year old winger."
"Something else about the Bryan Rust rumors that make no sense is the contract. If Rust were a pending UFA, then perhaps he could be a decent rental if the Rangers continue to turn the corner. But Rust has another two years at $5.125 million, a contract that would prevent the Rangers from adding a significant piece either at the deadline or in the offseason."
"Last bit about the Bryan Rust rumors, there's a decent argument that he would be "Artemi Panarin's replacement" if the Rangers look to get something for Panarin at the deadline. This doesn't make any sense, since Rust is not Panarin. If the Rangers want to replace Panarin's production, they need JT Miller to start producing more consistently or make a huge splash on a guy that isn't a 33 year old winger who will likely start seeing a decline in production soon."
Bryan Rust is a 33-year-old winger who won two Cups with Mike Sullivan but offers limited fits for the Rangers' stated goals. Rust provides secondary scoring depth on the wing but fails to address the Rangers' desire for younger, faster players. Rust will turn 34 in May and carries two remaining years at $5.125 million annually, a contract that would constrain roster flexibility and cap space through his age-35 season. The Rangers have Gabe Perreault as the anticipated top-six winger when ready. Replacing Artemi Panarin with Rust lacks parity in skill, so the team would need increased production from JT Miller or a significant younger acquisition.
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