Kings Predicted to Trade For Stanley Cup Champion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Kings have put together some very solid regular seasons in recent memory. However, once the playoffs come around, the team has faltered, losing in the first round.
Los Angeles hasn’t won a playoff series since they won the Stanley Cup back in 2014, and it has been a stain on the team for years. The organization has tried to add talent to the team, but it hasn’t helped at different moments.
Even this offseason, the Kings have been active, but they still could use more talent. Los Angeles has stayed diligent in its pursuit around the league, and it could lead them to look at the Pittsburgh Penguins as a potential trade partner.
NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report put together a list of landing spots for Penguins star Bryan Rust, with the Kings making the cut. Los Angeles could use another offensive weapon on the team, with Rust being a solid option.
“Rust would not only fit in with the Kings’ style of play with his two-way ability, but he would also have been their third-leading goal-scorer and third-leading point-producer during the 2024-25 season.
“The Kings were only 14th in goals scored during the 2024-25 season, and when combined with their defensive play, that was enough to get them comfortably into the playoffs,” Gretz wrote.
Last season with the Penguins, Rust scored 31 goals and 34 assists. It was a career-year for the veteran and Pittsburgh could look to sell high on him as they rebuild as a team.
Rust would also bring title experience to this Kings squad, adding more leadership to the mix. The veteran won two titles with the Penguins, and he understands how to get over the hump.
Los Angeles has to add something else to this roster; otherwise, they run the risk of failing to maximize another year of this core. The Kings owe it to themselves to continue adding, and Rust could be a perfect addition to the team.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.