Quoting: Victor24
Yeah! Who wants a consistent 20 goal scorer who plays the PK, has a good physical game, and consistently shows up in the playoffs? And they want to trade him for nothing? We demand this useful player at 5MM / per be cheaper. They better throw in a 1st and Crosby at 50% retention too!
If he was younger. I'd say it is fine, but chances are pretty high he declines in his 30s as most players do. It might be fine for a couple years, but considering he is a .5ppg player this year, it could be a sign of the start of decline. Detroit has plenty of competent penalty killers. Suter, Copp, Rasmussen, Larkin, Veleno, are all good, and you can probably add Kasper to the list. 20 goals (just barely) is nice, but Detroit would have had plenty of those if Vrana and Bertuzzi were healthy, not to mention a healthy season from Raymond and a full season of Bergrren. That would have been Larkin, Perron, Kubalik, Vrana, Bertuzzi, Raymond, and Berggren. Probably Rasmussen and Copp too.
Basically, Rust is not needed. Generally you don't give a guy 5 million bucks with 6 plus years all in his 30s to pot 20 goals and kill penalties.That contract is going to age poorly.