The Pittsburgh Penguins have quietly become one of the NHL’s more intriguing stories this season. Sitting at 25-14-11 and holding second place in the Metropolitan Division, they’ve outpaced expectations and put themselves squarely in the playoff conversation. For a team many assumed was entering a transition phase, this has been a notable push-and one that’s turned heads around the league.
But here’s where it gets interesting: despite their success, the Penguins remain a team to watch closely as the trade deadline approaches. This isn’t your typical contender loading up for a run; Pittsburgh is still threading the needle between staying competitive and reshaping for the future. And that delicate balance has thrust a couple of their veterans into the trade spotlight.
Bryan Rust, the veteran winger and longtime Penguin, landed at No. 33 on a recent trade board. That’s not entirely surprising.
Rust has been a fixture in trade rumors dating back to the offseason, and his name continues to circulate as a potential piece who could bring back a significant return. He’s the kind of player playoff-bound teams covet-experienced, versatile, and battle-tested in the postseason.
But whether Pittsburgh actually pulls the trigger will depend heavily on where they sit in the standings a few weeks from now. If they keep pace or climb, Rust could very well stay put.
Then there’s Brett Kulak, who checks in even higher on the same list at No. 26.
Between the two, Kulak feels like the more likely trade candidate. The left-shot defenseman is on an expiring contract and set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
And given Pittsburgh’s eye toward the future, it’s easy to see why he might not fit into their long-term plans. Kulak brings solid value as a reliable depth defenseman, and for a team looking to bolster its blue line ahead of a playoff push, he could be a smart rental option.
So while the Penguins have been exceeding expectations on the ice, the front office still has some big decisions to make. Do they ride this momentum and keep the core intact? Or do they look to capitalize on the value of players like Rust and Kulak while still staying competitive?
Either way, Pittsburgh is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating teams to watch as the trade deadline nears. They’re not tearing it down, but they’re not going all-in either. And in a league where the middle ground is often the hardest place to navigate, the Penguins are walking that line with purpose-and so far, with surprising success.