The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into a new year but are likely going to see an old friend return to the lineup.
Bryan Rust is eligible to return to the Penguins lineup against the Washington Capitals after missing the previous 10 games due to an upper-body injury.
On multiple occasions, Rust has skated with his teammates and made positive progress towards a return.
Rust says he feels good and has learned a bit during his time away from the team.
“This isn’t my first go around,” Rust said. “It’s something that I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten used to, but it’s something that I’ve been able to learn from. To put myself in the best situation.”
In his most recent skate with the Penguins, Rust shared a line with Valtteri Puustinen and Lars Eller, a trio that Rust himself said could be a successful line.
“They’re two good guys that think the game at a high level,” Rust said. “Could be dangerous.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan said to not read into that line too much as it was just a way to get Rust back into the swing of things but did speak highly of what he can bring to the team.
“Rusty’s going to make any line he plays on better,” Sullivan said. “Whatever line we put him on he’s going to bring that line to a different level because of how good a player he is.”
Sullivan praised Rust’s work on both ends of the rink and hinted that he could return to the first line with Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby.
In 22 games played this season, Rust has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 total points and has been a part of one of the best lines in the NHL with Guentzel and Crosby.
The Penguins are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now and will only get better when Rust makes his return.
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