Penguins forward Bryan Rust appears close to a return

Bryan Rust enjoyed a new experience this past Christmas.

It was his first as a father.

As a rookie to the holiday, 7-month-old Hunter Rust was a little unsure of the details, however.

“Just to see him kind of enjoy the boxes and the wrapping paper way more than his actual presents was fun,” the Penguins forward said. “But it was cool. Definitely keeps my mind occupied and keeps me busy while I’m injured so I don’t focus on it.”

Rust has needed plenty to keep his mind occupied this season on that front. Currently on injured reserve, he has missed the past 11 games with an undisclosed injury. Earlier in the season, he was sidelined for seven contests because of a different undisclosed injury.

In total, he has been limited to 12 games and nine points (two goals, seven assists) this season. His frustration hasn’t been limited, however.

“Obviously, anytime you get hurt, it’s not ideal,” Rust said. “I only played 12 games. I was playing decent and getting better. Then, something unfortunate happens. Had to miss some more time. But hopefully, I can come back healthy here and get back to playing well and help this team win games.”

Rust has resumed practicing in a full capacity in recent days. On Tuesday in Cranberry, he skated on the right wing of the team’s top line and worked on the top power-play group as well.

All signs point to him being available for the Penguins’ next game, a home contest against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday, barring any further disruptions to the team’s schedule due to covid-19.

As it is, the Penguins have a five-game postponement streak as well as a seven-game winning streak. That latter figure has been compiled entirely with Rust serving as a spectator.

“It always (stinks) watching,” Rust said. “But it’s fun to watch if they’re winning. It’s been awesome. Guys are playing hard, playing a good, structured team game. Guys are stepping up. It’s been great. Obviously, our goaltending and penalty kill have been unbelievable. The rest of the team has been great as well. It’s fun to watch. Hopefully, I’ll be able to jump right back in and help continue that trend.”

That pursuit could be aided by a reunion of Rust with his regular linemates, Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. Because of various maladies for all three players, they’ve only been in the lineup together for six of the team’s 30 games this season.

On Tuesday, that line was utilized throughout a scrimmage during practice.

“You saw glimpses of it (Tuesday) in the scrimmage that we had,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “They’ve been a very good line for us for a long time. And they’ve played a lot of minutes together. And they play together for a reason. Because they have chemistry. They’re a very, very good line. They all bring something different to the table. They’re all very good players. They’ve been such an impact line for us for so long. That’s what they’re capable of. We’re anxious and looking forward to the opportunity to get the three of them in the lineup together.”

There is no such thing as a convenient injury or medical-related absence. But for Rust, the timing of having such a pockmarked season is hardly ideal. For the first time in his career, the 29-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. Having reached the 20-goal mark in each of his previous two seasons — each of which were limited in some regard because of the pandemic — Rust figures to be in a position to sign what will likely be the largest contract of his career, both in compensation and term.

Being hobbled by injury, repeatedly, is clearly an impediment in that regard. But it’s not a dilemma Rust has dwelled on.

“Not even a little bit,” Rust said tersely. “I’ve been in the league for a long time now. Things happen. Injuries happen to everybody. The timing of it can (stink) sometimes. But it is what it is. You’ve got to take your adversity as it comes. You’ve got to just keep your head down, motor through it. Now that I’m going to be healthy again soon, just try to get out there, play well, help this team win games and do what I do.”

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