Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. We’re now a couple of days away from the NHL trade deadline, and the rumor mill is humming along. Here’s what you may have missed over the last 24 hours…
Red Wings Rumblings
Red Wings interested in Bryan Rust
The Athletic’s Josh Yohe says the Wings made a significant push to acquire Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rust, a Michigan native who will turn 32 in May, has four more years left on his contract, which carries a $5.125 million cap hit and a NMC. Yohe added that it’s unlikely Rust is traded this year… He could end up being a Red Wing at some point.
The South Lyon native and former second-round pick was named second star of the week from the Big Ten again. This is Augustine’s fourth Star award of the season. Here’s what earned him another round of praise:
- Made a season-high 44 saves to help No. 6/6 Michigan State clinch its first-ever Big Ten Championship with a 5-2 win over No. 4/5 Wisconsin Friday evening in Madison
- Recorded 80 saves on 85 shots — both national highs for the week — for a .941 save percentage
- Registered his 20th win of the season as the youngest goaltender in college hockey
- The World Junior gold medalist secures his fourth Star award of the 2023-24 campaign (2-Firsts, 2-Seconds)
The future is bright for this young man. Meanwhile, Scott Wheeler from The Athletic has both Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa in the top-10 of his drafted NHL goalie prospect ranking.
NHL News
Anthony Mantha traded to Vegas
Former Red Wings first-round pick Anthony Mantha is off to Sin City after Washington traded him to the Golden Knights in exchange for a couple of draft picks. Caps are soaking up 50% of his salary, too. Good deal for both sides. I would have made this trade if Detroit were in VGK’s position.
Guentzel trade imminent
Dreger says the Penguins will likely trade Jake Guentzel by tonight:
Chris Johnston added a tidbit that would make the impending trade much more interesting:
Familiar face hits waivers
The Edmonton Oilers have placed veteran Sam Gagner on waivers…
Would Steve Yzerman bring him back? I wouldn’t mind it at all.
