On the Erik Gustafsson and Bryan Rust rumors

Last week, the Rangers were mentioned in a pair of trade rumors regarding veterans. Both the Erik Gustafsson and Bryan Rust rumors were loosely tied to the Rangers, citing some weak connections and not necessarily actual team needs. But as per usual, the Rangers were tied to any veteran because they are the Rangers and historically any name over 30 years old is always tied to them. As per usual, I have some thoughts.

Bryan Rust rumors don’t address anything

1. Starting with the Bryan Rust rumors, these make little sense. The 33 year old winger win two Cup with Mike Sullivan, but that’s where the connection to the Rangers likely ends. While Rust would meet some needs, such as secondary scoring depth at wing, that’s the only criteria he meets. The Rangers want to get younger and faster, of which the Bryan Rust rumors don’t address. He’s on the back nine of his career and the Rangers don’t need another 33+ year old winger.

2. Something else about the Bryan Rust rumors that make no sense is the contract. If Rust were a pending UFA, then perhaps he could be a decent rental if the Rangers continue to turn the corner. But Rust has another two years at $5.125 million, a contract that would prevent the Rangers from adding a significant piece either at the deadline or in the offseason.

Rust will be 34 in May, so his contract takes him through his age-35 season. Do the Rangers need yet another guy in the top-six who is over 30 years old? That spot is Gabe Perreault’s, once the Rangers deem him ready.

3. Last bit about the Bryan Rust rumors, there’s a decent argument that he would be “Artemi Panarin’s replacement” if the Rangers look to get something for Panarin at the deadline. This doesn’t make any sense, since Rust is not Panarin. If the Rangers want to replace Panarin’s production, they need JT Miller to start producing more consistently or make a huge splash on a guy that isn’t a 33 year old winger who will likely start seeing a decline in production soon.

If you’re still with me, then just know the Bryan Rust rumors make little sense. But at least they make more sense than whatever has been spewed about Erik Gustafsson.

Erik Gustafsson could be 7D replacement, but nothing more

4. We have fond memories of Erik Gustafsson here in New York. He was an excellent Ranger, stepping in when Adam Fox went down with a knee injury. His 6-25-31 line was the third best of his career, but he has fallen off a cliff in the last two seasons with Detroit. He played 60 games last season, putting up two goals and 18 points, before being sent to the AHL this season. He has 12 assists in 13 AHL games.

If you’re trying to argue that a current AHL defenseman can be the Rangers powerplay quarterback, then I’m unsure what to tell you. Maybe if Gustafsson were a prospect on the upswing. But Gustafsson is 33 years old, 34 in March.

5. Much like the Bryan Rust rumors, the Erik Gustafsson rumors make little sense because the Rangers have a prospect that is penciled into that spot. Scott Morrow had been shaky for a bit, but is starting to show more confidence on the ice and is far more assertive with the puck. This is how prospects grow, and it would behoove the Rangers to just let Morrow cook for a bit more while Adam Fox is out. Why throw another veteran in the way of an improving prospect?

6. If Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan think Gustafsson can add value as a depth defenseman or on the Hartford Wolf Pack, then that’s a different story. I’m not sold on Matthew Robertson, though he is improving. Scott Morrow is showing more confidence and appears on the cusp of taking over PP1 point duties at some point during Fox’s injury. Urho Vaakanainen is steady, but it’s clear Robertson has earned more of the coaching staff’s trust.

If the Rangers want a depth defenseman that can move the puck, then Gustafsson would be a cheap option as a pending UFA on a $2 million contract. Unlike the Bryan Rust rumors, at least Gustafsson doesn’t carry a long commitment for a 30+ year old player.

As always, take a step back and see if either rumor passes the sniff test. If we have to start jumping through hoops to make it make sense, then it may not be viable.