Bryan Rust isn’t going anywhere – at least not yet, according to Penguins insider Josh Yohe. The veteran forward looks set to stay in Pittsburgh as tomorrow’s trade deadline approaches.
It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it. Rust has worn the Penguins jersey his entire NHL career, first stepping onto the ice back in 2014. He really made his mark the next season, helping Pittsburgh grab the first of two straight Stanley Cups.
The 32-year-old’s journey hasn’t been easy. He recently opened up about dealing with a speech impediment throughout his career – showing the kind of personal battles players face beyond the rink.
These days, Rust and his teammates are facing a different kind of challenge. The Penguins are stuck at the bottom of the Metro Division, and GM Kyle Dubas has already started shaking things up with two trades, including the Michael Bunting deal.
Teams are definitely interested in Rust. Who wouldn’t want a two-time Cup winner with playoff experience?
But Yohe thinks Rust might stick around for the long haul.
“He could be the last of Crosby’s teammates still with him in Pittsburgh when Crosby’s career ends,” Yohe wrote in The Athletic.
That’s pretty significant when you consider Rust’s contract is up in July. While Dubas is likely to make more moves before tomorrow’s deadline, it looks like Rust might just finish his career right where it started – alongside Sidney Crosby in the Steel City.
The next 24 hours will tell us for sure. But for now, Rust’s Pittsburgh story isn’t over yet.
