Bryan Rust Listed as Game-Time Decision by Penguins

The Penguins kick off the 2024 calendar year tied with the Capitals with 40 standings points and could leapfrog them and into a playoff spot with a big win at PPG Paints Arena.

Rust returning to the lineup would provide a huge boost for the Penguins and Sullivan has already spoken highly of the crucial forward.

In the most recent skate with his teammates, Rust skated on the Penguins’ second line with Reilly Smith and Evgeni Malkin.

Rust spent most of the season on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel and rebounded pretty well to start the year compared to last season.

Regardless of where Rust lines up, he makes the Penguins a better and more threatening team, he has chemistry with both Crosby and Malkin.

“He’s a very good complimentary player,” Sullivan said. “He understands the difference between playing on Sid’s line or Geno’s line… Rusty has a real consciences game. He’s such a good player in so many ways.”

With Rust likely coming back to the lineup, it is expected the Penguins will send a player or two back to the AHL.

Matt Nieto is currently on injured reserve and hasn’t made much progress, likely leaving him open to move to LTIR to make room for Rust to return.