Penguins Get Positive Update on Veteran Forward

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins had themselves a quiet trade deadline following their big sale of Jake Guentzel. While not many new faces are coming to the Peguins roster, a current veteran could be closing in on a return.

Forward Bryan Rust skated with the Penguins for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury against the Philadelphia Flyers. Before his injury in that game, Rust had scored two goals and picked up an assist.

Rust skated before the practice in a white non-contact jersey with Drew O’Connor, but had a wardrobe change and took on full contact with the rest of his teammates.

Following the practice, head coach Mike Sullivan said Rust is getting closer to a return.

“Full contact, which suggests he’s a whole lot closer,” Sullivan said.

Rust was on a roll leading up to his injury with seven goals in nine games.

“I was feeling pretty good,” Rust said. “It’s fairly easy to see. I was on my toes, I was able to score some goals and help this team win some games.”

The Penguins have struggled to win games without Rust and might be on the road to another missed postseason. Even with Rust back in the lineup, things look at feel over for the Penguins.