Penguins’ Bryan Rust Has Cheeky Message On Potential Return To Lineup

Bryan Rust could be returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup sooner than expected.

The Penguins announced Rust would miss a minimum of two weeks with a lower-body injury last Thursday, days before the start of the season. However, Rust returned to practice Wednesday and was a full participant, wearing a regular practice jersey.

Following Rust’s return to practice, reporters asked him if his timeline had changed. He smirked and gave a cheeky update on his potential return to the lineup.

“You guys will have to wait and see,” Rust told reporters Wednesday.

Pittsburgh placed Rust on injured reserve, so he must be out for a minimum of seven days, but it can be retroactive to the preseason.

Although Rust did wear a normal jersey at practice, Penguins coach Dan Muse wasn’t sure when the star winger would return to the lineup.

But, Muse said Rust’s return to practice is a good sign in his potential return to the lineup.

“It was the first time out there with the team in practice. We’ll continue to reevaluate after each step is taken,” Muse said. “That’s where we are at right now. Practicing with the team is a good step.”

Rust is entering the fourth year of his six-year, $30.75 million deal. The star winger recorded 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points in 71 games last season with Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh will take on the New York Islanders on Thursday in its home opener. The Penguins defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 in their first game of the season.

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