Penguins Veteran Snags Olympic Tryout After Milestone Season

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust has earned an invitation to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp.

The veteran was one of 44 players named to the roster as the United States begins early preparations for the 2026 Winter Games. Rust’s selection comes on the heels of his most productive NHL season.

In 71 games, he set career highs with 31 goals, 34 assists and 65 points. That leap came after a 28-goal campaign in 2023-24 that hinted at bigger things.

Now 32, he’s established himself as a reliable two-way presence — quick, aggressive and capable of sparking offense while just as trusted to finish shifts and handle key penalty kill minutes.

He has logged six 20-goal seasons since 2019-20, a mark reached by just five American players during that stretch, according to a post by Pittsburgh Penguins PR on social media.

The Michigan native also has winning experience. Rust was a key contributor on Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup teams in 2016 and 2017 and remains the organization’s fourth longest-tenured skater behind Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

His 638 career NHL appearances have all come with the Penguins, where he has compiled 203 goals and 234 assists for 437 points.

While his growth has been impressive, Rust will face stiff competition in Plymouth, Mich., when Team USA holds camp later this month.

The orientation will be filled with established stars and rising names all pushing for roster spots ahead of Milan. Still, his blend of experience, scoring touch and relentless work ethic makes him a strong candidate.

Rust’s game has evolved steadily over the years, and his invite reflects that. Now he has a chance to carry his Penguins success onto the international stage.

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