How? I do not get the argument for protecting Rust over Hornqvist.
Hornqvist is a legit top 6 winger, has what 7 straight seasons of 20+ goals and 40+ points. Plus 14 playoffs goals in last 2 years.
Rust at this point is a 3rd line winger, he is 25 already, has 20 goals in 112 NHL games. I get he has been clutch in the last 2 playoff runs, but he still has 1 less goal than Hornqvist over the 2 years.
To me even if Rust grows to his absolute max potential he probably only gets to the same kinda stats as Hornqvist is already getting. While Rust doesn't bring the same physical crash the net presence.
Unless the team has zero desire to sign Hornqvist past this coming year then I cannot see any argument for protecting Rust over Hornqvist (and even that argument would be a stretch).
The argument for Rust over Horny is he's younger, cheaper, under our control for quite some time, and hasn't had the physical punishment Horny has. And his stats aren't that different given their utilization. He was my #4 if I were the pens and doing a protected list strictly on resources (and before MAF waiving was confirmed). Now, I think Horny being there is a good choice as it doesn't display any kind of internal thought on how they value the young guys. Everyone on the list looks at it and goes "well, duh". That's obviously who you'd protect.