Should the Maple Leafs Trade for Pricey Penguins Forward?

A recent trade proposal was pitched in the PuckPedia GM forum that could shake up the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offensive lineup: acquiring forward Bryan Rust and depth winger Drew O’Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and defensive prospect William Villeneuve. With Toronto’s offense (especially the team’s power play) sputtering, adding a proven top-six forward like Rust might provide the spark they need. The Penguins would gain younger assets to kick-start a retool.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons, laying out the case for and against this potential trade.

Reasons the Trade Could Work: The Case for Bringing in Bryan Rust and Drew O’Connor

Reason 1. Immediate Impact on Offense

Bryan Rust is a skilled winger with a strong scoring record. He could slot directly into Toronto’s top six, supporting Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Rust’s consistent production (56 points in 62 games last season) shows he can deliver under pressure. He’s experienced playing in high-stakes situations, having won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins. While not at Rust’s level, Drew O’Connor could add some grit and scoring depth to Toronto’s struggling bottom six.

Reason 2. Rust Has Power Play Potential

Toronto’s power play has started the season poorly. It’s ranked far down the NHL’s scale, with a just over 10% success rate. Rust’s skillset could boost the man-advantage unit, adding another reliable shooter and playmaker to a team that’s grown overly reliant on Matthews. Rust’s versatility and offensive instincts might help break the team’s power play slump and create more scoring opportunities.

Reason 3. Fresh Start for Nick Robertson

Promising young forward Nick Robertson has struggled to find consistent footing in Toronto. Pittsburgh could offer him the change of scenery he needs, especially under GM Kyle Dubas, who originally drafted him. For Robertson, moving to a team with less scrutiny might be the right step in developing his game without the high-pressure environment he faces in Toronto.

Against the Trade: Reasons the Maple Leafs Should Hesitate

Reason 1. High Cost for a Win-Now Move

Losing Nick Robertson and David Kampf would deplete the team’s depth. Kampf, in particular, has been a dependable bottom-six center. He provides solid defensive play in an area where Toronto already faces challenges. Moving Kampf would likely mean relying more heavily on younger, less-experienced players in defensive roles. The trade could weaken Toronto’s lineup.

Reason 2. Rust Brings Age and Contract Concerns

Bryan Rust is in the third year of a six-year, $30.75 million contract with a $5.125 million annual cap hit. Although Pittsburgh would retain a small portion of Rust’s salary, adding a player in his 30s with a hefty contract would strain Toronto’s already squeezed salary cap flexibility. Rust’s production might decline over the remaining contract years, potentially burdening the Maple Leafs if his performance dips.

Reason 3. The Trade Would Sacrifice the Maple Leafs Defensive Potential

While William Villeneuve is still developing in the AHL, he has shown potential to become a solid NHL defenseman. Given Toronto’s persistent need for defensive depth, trading away Villeneuve risks losing a young, affordable option who could be NHL-ready in the coming seasons. Sacrificing a future defensive asset could backfire, especially as the Leafs attempt to shore up their blue line long-term.

Weighing the Trades’ Pros and Cons

Drawing a metaphorical line down the center, the pros of the trade are evident. Toronto gets an immediate offensive boost, with Rust potentially sparking their power play and O’Connor adding depth. This trade also clears the path for Robertson to develop under less pressure in Pittsburgh, where he might realize his potential with the Penguins.

On the flip side, the cons are equally significant. Losing Kampf creates a defensive void that might be hard to fill, and adding Rust’s contract comes with financial risk and age concerns. Moreover, Toronto’s defensive prospect pool is already thin, making Villeneuve’s departure potentially costly in the long run.

The Maple Leafs face a classic win-now versus future-building decision. Adding Rust could elevate their scoring but at the expense of roster flexibility and defensive depth. If the team prioritizes immediate offensive impact and believes Rust will be a difference-maker, the trade could be worth the risk. However, if they value long-term asset management and defense, holding onto their younger players might be the more intelligent choice.

I vote for the latter.

Related: 3 Takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 Kraken Win