Bryan Rust

Rust was born on May 11, 1992, in Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.{{cite web |title=Bryan Rust |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/20708/bryan-rust |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=November 11, 2023}} to parents Steve and Betsy.{{cite web |title=#21 Bryan Rust |url=https://fightingirish.com/roster/bryan-rust/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame |access-date=February 25, 2025}} Rust and his older brother Matt were both born with speech impediments and attended speech therapy.{{cite web | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/01/20/Despite-speech-impediment-Penguins-Bryan-Rust-isn-t-short-on-confidence/stories/201601200036 | title = Despite speech impediment Penguins Bryan Rust isn't short on confidence | publisher = Post-Gazette | date = January 20, 2016 | accessdate = January 20, 2016| archive-date = January 22, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160122215018/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/01/20/Despite-speech-impediment-Penguins-Bryan-Rust-isn-t-short-on-confidence/stories/201601200036}} Growing up, he was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and considered Martin Lapointe his favorite player.{{cite web |last1=Nesbitt |first1=Stephen J. |title='Starstruck' and Settlers of Catan: Why Bryan Rust fits the Penguins perfectly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2317327/2021/01/13/pittsburgh-penguins-bryan-rust-notre-dame-hockey/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=February 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250225204629/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2317327/2021/01/13/pittsburgh-penguins-bryan-rust-notre-dame-hockey/ |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |date=January 13, 2021}}

As a youth, Rust played in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Honeybaked minor ice hockey team.{{cite web |title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA| url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|publisher=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament |access-date=February 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |date=2018}} In his final season with the Honeybaked 16U AAA team, Rust recorded 40 goals and 65 assists through 68 games. In March 2008, at the age of 16, Rust tried out for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP).{{cite web |title=NTDP Evaluation Camp Roster |url=https://www.ushr.com/news/20080313/2610?label=NTDP-Evaluation-Camp-Roster |publisher=US Hockey Report |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=March 13, 2008}} After he was rejected due to his underdeveloped skills, Rust worked on his skating abilities after Honeybaked practices with team head coach Larry Knapp. He then attended a second USNTDP's second camp in Rochester, New York and was able to make the team.{{cite web |title=Mersch, Rust to Join NTDP |url=https://www.ushr.com/news/20080628/2708?label=NTDP%2BInvites |publisher=US Hockey Report |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=June 29, 2009}} Although he committed to playing NCAA Division I college hockey for the University of Notre Dame,{{cite web |last1=Horwedel |first1=Lon |title=Majors Announce Round-Up of Draft Selections |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines_stories/2008/04/ums_rust_could_skate_against_b.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=April 9, 2008}} Rust was also drafted by the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in the 2008 Ontario Hockey League Selection Draft.{{cite web |title=Majors Announce Round-Up of Draft Selections |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/majors-announce-round-up-of-draft-selections/n-3634621 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=May 3, 2008}}{{cite web |title=OHL Draft |url=https://www.ushr.com/news/20080504/2661 |publisher=US Hockey Report |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=May 4, 2008}} Rust chose to attend the University of Notre Dame, in part, due to the influence of his childhood friend, Tony Montagano. Before his death, Montagano would often share stories about the university with Rust.{{cite news |last1=Sipple |first1=George |title=Rust brothers could meet for title |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-rust-brothers-could-m/166699378/ |access-date=February 25, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=April 7, 2011|via=newspapers.com}} He was also influenced to attend college because he wanted a "degree to fall back on."{{cite web |last1=Waind |first1=Thomas |title=Silver Cup with a Rusty Finish |url=https://phpa.com/news/757 |publisher=Professional Hockey Players' Association |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=August 15, 2016}}

Leading up to the 2010 NHL entry draft, Rust was ranked 76th among all North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.{{cite web |title=Freshman Riley Sheahan Ranked Fifth In NHL Central Scouting's Mid-Term Ratings |url=https://fightingirish.com/freshman-riley-sheahan-ranked-fifth-in-nhl-central-scouting-s-mid-term-ratings/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=January 11, 2010}} Before starting his freshman season at Notre Dame, Rust was drafted in the third round, 80th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Shelly |title=Penguins draft right winger Bryan Rust |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2010/06/26/Penguins-draft-right-winger-Bryan-Rust/stories/201006260107 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=June 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225223655/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2010/06/26/Penguins-draft-right-winger-Bryan-Rust/stories/201006260107|archive-date=February 25, 2025}} In 2020, NHL.com writers wrote up a re-draft of the 2010 draft class and Rust was ranked 20th overall.{{cite web |title=2010 NHL Redraft: Seguin, Hall flip spots at top |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2010-nhl-redraft-tyler-seguin-moves-to-first-316717450 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=April 25, 2020}} Following the draft, Rust played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's ice hockey team from 2010 to 2014 while enrolled in their Mendoza College of Business.

Rust made his collegiate debut with the Fighting Irish on October 8, 2010, against the Holy Cross Crusaders.{{cite web |title=2010–11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hockey |url=https://fightingirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/26928__m_hockey__HocRel1312-30-10.pdf |publisher=University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |page=6 |date=2011}} He recorded his first goal on October 10 against Boston University{{cite web |title=Irish Set To Open Home Schedule With A Visit From The Lake Superior State Lakers |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-set-to-open-home-schedule-with-a-visit-from-the-lake-superior-state-lakers/ |publisher=Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=October 13, 2010}} and tallied his first assist shortly thereafter on October 15.{{cite web |title=Irish Earn Sweep Of Lake Superior State With 4–2 Win On Friday Night |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-earn-sweep-of-lake-superior-state-with-4-2-win-on-friday-night/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=October 16, 2010}} Through his first nine games with the Fighting Irish, Rust accumulated one goal, one assist, and two penalty minutes.{{cite web |title=Notre Dame And Michigan Get Set For A CCHA Showdown This Weekend |url=https://fightingirish.com/notre-dame-and-michigan-get-set-for-a-ccha-showdown-this-weekend/ |publisher=Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=November 10, 2010}} However, he then suffered a lower-body injury that resulted in him missing a contest against the University of Michigan and his brother.{{cite web |last1=Kalra |first1=Avash |title=Rust and Reward |url=https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/04/03_ff_rust_and_reward.php |publisher=College Hockey News |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=April 3, 2011}} He returned to the Fighting Irish's lineup on November 20 for their game against Michigan State. On December 3, Rust set a new career-high with two goals and three points overall against the Miami RedHawks.{{cite web |title=Irish Icers Set To Open Second Half Of The Season With Canisius College |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-icers-set-to-open-second-half-of-the-season-with-canisius-college/ |publisher=Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=December 27, 2010}} Rust finished the regular season with 19 points as he helped the Fighting Irish qualify for the 2011 Frozen Four.

Before the start of the 2011–12 season, Rust was invited to tryout for Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp.{{cite web |title=Irish Quartet Heads To Lake Placid For U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-quartet-heads-to-lake-placid-for-u-s-national-junior-evaluation-camp/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=August 5, 2011}} Rust made an immediate impact for the Fighting Irish once he began his sophomore season by tallying a goal and an assist in his first two games.{{cite news |last1=DeFranks |first1=Matthew |title=Hockey: Sure signs of 'Rust' |url=https://www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2011/11/hockey-sure-signs-of-rust |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Observer |date=November 28, 2011}} He quickly accumulated five goals and two assists for seven points through the first 16 games of the season.{{cite web |title=Irish Return Home For Weekend Series Versus Northeastern Huskies |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-return-home-for-weekend-series-versus-northeastern-huskies/ |publisher=Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=December 1, 2011}} Rust's early accomplishments were noted by Jackson who said he saw Rust as a possible secondary scorer for the Irish. He finished the regular season with five goals and six assists for 11 points. On March 4, Rust tallied an assist on Anders Lee's second-period goal against Ohio State to advance the Fighting Irish to the second round of the CCHA playoffs.{{cite web |title=Irish Advance To Second Round Of CCHA Playoffs With 4–2 Win Over Ohio State |url=https://fightingirish.com/irish-advance-to-second-round-of-ccha-playoffs-with-4-2-win-over-ohio-state/ |publisher=Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=March 4, 2012}} However, this would be his only point of the postseason.

Following his sophomore season, head coach Jeff Jackson privately called out Rust for becoming complacent and neglecting to work hard. As a result, Rust, his brother Matt, and Matt's former teammate worked out at a local gym during the offseason to improve their conditioning.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=From "Little Rust" to Big Achievements in Pittsburgh |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/from-little-rust-to-big-achievements-in-pittsburgh |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=January 6, 2025}} Rust finished his junior season with a career-best 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points.{{cite web |title=Crashing The Boards |url=https://fightingirish.com/crashing-the-boards/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=October 9, 2013}}

Due to the realignment of NCAA conferences, Notre Dame played the 2013–14 season in the Hockey East conference. Before the start of the season, Rust was named an alternate captain with T. J. Tynan and Stephen Johns.{{cite web |title=Jeff Costello Selected As Hockey Team Captain For The 2013–14 Season |url=https://fightingirish.com/jeff-costello-selected-as-hockey-team-captain-for-the-2013-14-season/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=August 29, 2013}}

File:Bryan Rust 2014-12-13 1.JPG in 2014.]]

Rust officially concluded his collegiate career on April 1, 2014, after signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.{{cite web |title=Bryan Rust Signs Two-Year Entry Level Contract With Pittsburgh |url=https://fightingirish.com/bryan-rust-signs-two-year-entry-level-contract-with-pittsburgh/ |publisher=University of Notre Dame |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=April 1, 2014}} Upon signing the contract, Rust was assigned to the Penguins American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS Penguins), to conclude the 2013–14 season.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He played two regular season games for the WBS Penguins and one playoff game but recorded no points.

After attending the Penguins training camp, Rust was re-assigned to the WBS Penguins to start the 2014–15 season.{{cite web |title=Penguins Announce 2014 Training Camp Roster |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/penguins-announce-2014-training-camp-roster/n-4877638 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=September 26, 2014}} Rust competed with the Penguins during the preseason and led all team rookies with three goals.{{cite news |title=Setting the pace |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-setting-the-pace/135047621/|access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizens' Voice |date=October 7, 2014|via=newspapers.com}} This continued into the regular season and Rust quickly found himself on the Penguins top line with Tom Kostopoulos and Nick Drazenovic.{{cite news |last1=Bombulie |first1=Jonathan |title=Reputation Reboot |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-reputation-reboot/135046978/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=October 26, 2014|via=newspapers.com}} Rust remained in the AHL for the first half of the season before earning his first NHL recall on December 4 to replace an injured Scott Wilson.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He was returned to the WBS Penguins without making his NHL debut on December 6 and immediately tallied three points in his first game back.{{cite news |last1=Bombulie |first1=Jonathan |title=Hershey skates past Penguins |url=https://newspapers.com/article/standard-speaker-hershey-skates-past-pen/135046911/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Standard-Speaker |date=December 7, 2014|via=newspapers.com}} When Rust was recalled again on December 13, he led the WBS Penguins with 10 goals and four assists through 25 games.{{cite news |last1=Molinari |first1=Dave |title=Penguins recall Rust and Farnham, send Megna to Wilkes-Barre |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/12/13/Penguins-recall-Rust-and-Farnham-send-Megna-to-Wilkes-Barre/stories/201412130124 |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=December 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514143306/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/12/13/Penguins-recall-Rust-and-Farnham-send-Megna-to-Wilkes-Barre/stories/201412130124 |archive-date=May 14, 2015}} The recall came at a time when the Penguins were missing numerous key players due to a mumps outbreak.{{cite web |last1=Gentille |first1=Sean |title=In the middle of a mumps outbreak, a hockey game appears |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/nhl-mumps-outbreak-hockey-incubation-period-vaccine-sidney-crosby-beau-bennett/11tnafxb5wq7g14ufm0wnfmdwg |publisher=The Sporting News |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=December 15, 2014}} He subsequently made his NHL debut that night against the Columbus Blue Jackets where the Penguins lost in a shootout.{{cite web|title=3 Impressions: Blue Jackets 4, Pens 3 (SO)|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/3-impressions-blue-jackets-4-pens-3-so/c-743883|publisher=Pittsburgh Penguins|date=December 13, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2018|archive-date=June 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220534/https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/3-impressions-blue-jackets-4-pens-3-so/c-743883|url-status=live}} He would score his first NHL goal two nights later against Evgeni Nabokov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, on December 15, 2014.{{cite web |title=Rust and Dumoulin score first NHL goals as Penguins beat Lightning |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/nhl/nhl/rust-and-dumoulin-score-first-nhl-goals-as-penguins-beat-lightning-1.160882 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=December 15, 2014}} After Brian Dumoulin also scored his first NHL goal that night, the two became the first Penguins pair to reach this milestone at the same time since 2006.{{cite web|last1=Crechiolo|first1=Michael|title=3 Impressions: Pens 4, Bolts 2|url=http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=744217|publisher=Pittsburgh Penguins|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216140843/http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=744217|url-status=live}} Rust played 14 games with the Penguins, and spent some time on their top line, before being returned to the AHL on January 14, 2015.{{cite news |last1=Bombulie |first1=Jonathan |title=After exciting NHL stint, Rust has more to prove |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-after-exciting-nhl-stint/135049708/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=January 17, 2015|via=newspapers.com}} Nearly a month following his return, Rust suffered a lower-body injury on February 21 and missed almost six weeks to recover.{{cite news |last1=Venesky |first1=Tom |title=Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Bryan Rust making strides since returning from injury |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/nhl/2015/04/01/wilkes-barre-scranton-penguins-bryan/24829681007/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=Erie Times-News |date=April 1, 2015}} While he returned from the injury in early April, Rust quickly suffered another injury during a game against the Portland Pirates on April 12.{{cite news |title=Shorthanded Penguins win 4th straight |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-shorthanded-penguins-win/135050160/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=April 13, 2015|via=newspapers.com}} Rust finished the regular season with 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points but remained sidelined until May 9 when he returned to the WBS Penguins for Game 3 of the Calder Cup playoffs against the Manchester Monarchs.{{cite news |title=Pens: Kostopoulos, Murray key victory |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-tribune-pens-kostopoulos-mur/135050084/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Scranton Times-Tribune |date=May 10, 2015|via=newspapers.com}} He finished the postseason with two goals through three games.

While Rust was assigned to the WBS Penguins to start the 2015–16 season, he became the first player on the team to be recalled to the NHL level.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} His recall on October 15 came after he tallied one assist through two games.{{cite news |last1=Lakso |first1=Seth |title=Penguins lost Rust, add Erixon |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-penguins-lost-rust-add/135049986/ |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=October 16, 2015|via=newspapers.com}} Rust went scoreless through five games with the Penguins before suffering an arm injury on October 24 during a game against the Nashville Predators.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He subsequently spent 15 games on the Penguin's injured reserve list before being returned to the AHL on November 30.{{cite web |title=Penguins reassign Bryan Rust to AHL |url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/897392 |publisher=The Score |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=November 30, 2015}} Upon rejoining the WBS Penguins, Rust returned to full capacity and skated in a team practice for the first time in five weeks.{{cite news |last1=Lakso |first1=Seth |title=Penguins' Rust makes full return to practice |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/nhl/2015/12/02/penguins-rust-makes-full-return/25027040007/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=Erie Times-News |date=December 2, 2015}} Rust officially returned to the WBS Penguins lineup on December 6.{{cite news |last1=Lakso |first1=Seth |title=Pens finish tough weekend with loss |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-pens-finish-tough-weeken/135050808/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=December 7, 2015|via=newspapers.com}} He played in eight games for the WBS Penguins, recording two goals, before being recalled to the NHL level again on December 20.{{cite news |last1=Molinari |first1=Dave |title=Penguins recall Bryan Rust from Wilkes-Barre |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2015/12/20/Penguins-recall-Bryan-Rust-from-Wilkes-Barre/stories/201512200229 |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=December 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223223129/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2015/12/20/Penguins-recall-Bryan-Rust-from-Wilkes-Barre/stories/201512200229 |archive-date=December 23, 2015}} While he was returned by the end of the month, Rust was recalled to the NHL level again on January 7 after adding one goal and two assists to his points total.{{cite news |title=Kuhnhackl, Rust called up: Sheary, Wilson sent down |url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-kuhnhackl-rust-called-u/135051185/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=The Citizen's Voice |date=January 8, 2016|via=newspapers.com}} Rust remained at the NHL level until the team acquired forward Mark Arcobello off waivers from the Predators on January 14.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Mike |title=Penguins get Arcobello off waivers from Predators |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins-claim-mark-arcobello-off-waivers-from-nashville-predators/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=January 14, 2016}} He was recalled to the NHL level shortly thereafter and remained with the Penguins NHL team for the remainder of the season except for a paper transaction to keep him eligible for the AHL postseason.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} The transaction required Rust to be re-assigned to the AHL for one day before being recalled the next day.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |title=Penguins notebook: Plotnikov traded, 'happy to be in Arizona' |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/02/29/Penguins-trade-Sergei-Plotnikov-to-Arizona-Coyotes-as-NHL-trade-deadline-nears/stories/201602290153 |access-date=November 11, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=February 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301005319/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/02/29/Penguins-trade-Sergei-Plotnikov-to-Arizona-Coyotes-as-NHL-trade-deadline-nears/stories/201602290153 |archive-date=March 1, 2016}} After recording eight points in 33 games, including a career-best four points against the New Jersey Devils, Rust signed a two-year contract extension with the Penguins on March 14.{{cite web |title=Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson, Tom Kuhnhackl Each Sign Two-Year Contract Extensions |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-scott-wilson-tom-kuhnhackl-each-sign-two-year-contract-extensions/c-873702 |publisher=National Hockey League|accessdate=June 26, 2018 |date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220521/https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-scott-wilson-tom-kuhnhackl-each-sign-two-year-contract-extensions/c-873702 |url-status=live }} Following a lower-body injury at the end of the month,{{cite tweet|user=Penguins|title=Coach Sullivan on Bryan Rust: "Rusty will be day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He will not play tomorrow."|number=715233406897008641|date=March 30, 2016}} Rust missed the Penguins final few games of the regular season.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Katie |title=Win secures second seed in Metropolitan for Penguins |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-capitals-preview-280161086 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 7, 2016}} He subsequently finished the regular season with four goals and seven assists for 11 points through 41 games.{{cite news |last1=MacKey |first1=Jason |title=Penguins Prospectus: Bryan Rust |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/09/02/Penguins-Prospectus-Bryan-Rust/stories/201609020105 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231112033624/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/09/02/Penguins-Prospectus-Bryan-Rust/stories/201609020105 |archive-date=November 12, 2023}} He was also named the recipient of the Penguins Michel Brière Rookie of the Year Award.{{cite tweet|user=penguins|title=Congrats to Bryan Rust (@rustyyy_92) on being named the #Pens Rookie of the Year. Award presented by @Highmark|number=715161850631970817|date=March 30, 2016}}

File:Bryan Rust 2016-04-28 1.JPG

Rust returned to the Penguins lineup for their First Round series against the New York Rangers in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs and joined Malkin and Sheary on the third line.{{cite web |last1=Pantorno |first1=Joe |title=Rangers vs. Penguins: Game 2 Score and Twitter Reaction from 2016 NHL Playoffs |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2633404-rangers-vs-penguins-game-2-score-and-twitter-reaction-from-2016-nhl-playoffs |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 16, 2016}} In Game Five, Rust scored two goals and added an assist to help the Penguins record a four-goal second period.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} His first two goals of the postseason helped the Penguins eliminate the Rangers in five games and advance to the Eastern Conference Second Round.{{cite web |title=Penguins exact revenge on Rangers, win first-round series in five games |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400874113 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 23, 2016}} After going goalless in the Penguins second-round series against the Washington Capitals, Rust tied a franchise record in the Eastern Conference Final for most goals scored by a Penguins rookie in the postseason.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He recorded three goals during the Penguins series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, including twice in Game 7, to lift the Penguins to the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals.{{cite news |last1=Menendez |first1=Jenn |title=Loose Rust piles up goals, ties rookie record |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/05/27/Loose-Rust-piles-up-goals-ties-rookie-record/stories/201605270144 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528224359/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/05/27/Loose-Rust-piles-up-goals-ties-rookie-record/stories/201605270144 |archive-date=May 28, 2016}} Rust also became the 8th rookie in NHL history to record multiple goals in a Game 7.{{cite tweet|user=FightingIrish|number=737407013953605632|date=May 30, 2016|title=DID YOU KNOW? Bryan Rust is the 8th rookie ever to score multiple goals in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.}} In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the San Jose Sharks, Rust scored his sixth goal of the postseason before suffering a hit to the head by Sharks forward Patrick Marleau.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} While Marleau was assessed a minor penalty, Rust skated for a 35-second shift after the hit before sitting out for the remainder of the game.{{cite web |title=Penguins' Bryan Rust day-to-day with upper-body injury |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/penguins-bryan-rust-day-day-upper-body-injury/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 30, 2016}} After undergoing further testing, Rust returned to the Penguins lineup for Game 2.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |last2=Werner |first2=Sam |title=Penguins notebook: Bryan Rust returns to lineup |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/06/02/Penguins-notebook-Bryan-Rust-returns-to-lineup/stories/201606020088 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605055543/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/06/02/Penguins-notebook-Bryan-Rust-returns-to-lineup/stories/201606020088 |archive-date=June 5, 2016}} Rust and Penguins defeated the Sharks in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals to win the team's fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history and first since 2009.{{cite web |last1=Cotsonika |first1=Nicholas J.|title=Penguins' Stanley Cup one for the ages |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-stanley-cup-one-for-the-ages-280924148 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 12, 2016}} Rust finished the playoffs with six goals and nine points through 23 games.

Following the Stanley Cup win, it was revealed that Rust had played through a broken finger in Game 6,{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Penguins roster could return intact next season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-roster-could-return-intact-next-season-280986000 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 16, 2016}} but a more complicated injury delayed his return for the 2016–17 season.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} Rust missed the entirety of the Penguins preseason games but returned to the team's practice on October 12, 2016.{{cite news |last1=Werner |first1=Sam |title=Penguins forward Bryan Rust returns to full-team practice |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/10/12/Penguins-forward-Bryan-Rust-returns-to-full-team-practice/stories/201610130065 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=October 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014225417/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/10/12/Penguins-forward-Bryan-Rust-returns-to-full-team-practice/stories/201610130065 |archive-date=October 14, 2016}} He made his season debut a few days later on October 18 against the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite web |last1=Gretz |first1=Adam |title=Bryan Rust returns to Penguins lineup tonight |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/bryan-rust-to-return-to-penguins-lineup-tonight |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=October 18, 2016}} While he was originally expected to play on the right wing of Malkin, he ended up spending most of the season on Nick Bonino's line or with Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary.{{cite news |last1=Werner |first1=Sam |title=2017–18 Penguins Prospectus: Bryan Rust |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2017/09/01/bryan-rust-pittsburgh-penguins-season-preview-2017-2018/stories/201709010077 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206135311/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2017/09/01/bryan-rust-pittsburgh-penguins-season-preview-2017-2018/stories/201709010077 |archive-date=December 6, 2018}} On December 5, 2016, Rust first recorded his first career hat-trick in an 8–5 win over the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web |title=Rust's hat trick rallies Penguins past Senators, 8–5 |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400884775 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=December 5, 2016}} While Rust would remain healthy for the first half of the season following his original injury, he missed large parts of the second half of the season due to an injury in February 2017.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} The injury occurred after he crashed into a goaltending net during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on February 9.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} At the time of the injury, Rust had accumulated 12 goals and 13 assists through 50 games.{{cite web |title=Penguins' Rust out 'longer term,' Malkin return imminent |url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2017/02/13/ap-hkn-penguins-injuries |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=February 13, 2017}} He subsequently missed 20 games before returning to the Penguins lineup on March 24 against the New York Islanders.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Snap Shots: Isles 4, Pens 3 (SO) |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/snap-shots-vs-islanders-288064204 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=March 24, 2017}} Rust returned to the Penguins lineup with nine games remaining in the regular season and finished with 15 goals and 13 assists through 57 games.

File:Bryan Rust 2017-06-11 1.jpg

During the Penguins first round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Rust joined Malkin and Phil Kessel as linemates on their second line.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} While playing alongside the two veterans, Rust had recorded three goals on seven shots as the Penguins led the series 3–0.{{cite news |last1=Metzer |first1=Brian |title=Plus-Minus: Penguins Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust shine, while Marc-Andre Fleury ties Tom Barrasso with 56th career playoff win |url=https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/04/16/plus-minus-penguins-jake-guentzel/18576190007/ |access-date=November 12, 2023 |work=The Times |date=April 16, 2017}} On April 20, Rust scored two pivotal goals, including the game-winner, in Game 5 to lift the Penguins to a series win.{{cite web |title=Rust scores twice as Penguins eliminate Blue Jackets |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/rust-scores-twice-penguins-eliminate-blue-jackets/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 20, 2017}} Rust continued to score important goals as the Penguins eliminated the Washington Capitals in their second round series.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 to earn the nickname "Mr. Elimination" by Penguins fans and hockey pundits.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Mr. Elimination Upstages Mr. Game 7 |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-game-7-justin-williams-289383884 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 10, 2017}} His momentum would stall during the Penguins Eastern Conference Final series against the Ottawa Senators after he was injured by defenceman Dion Phaneuf in Game 2.{{cite web |title=Penguins' Bryan Rust, Justin Schultz leave Game 2 with apparent injuries |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/penguins-bryan-rust-justin-schultz-leave-game-2-apparent-injuries/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 15, 2017}} He missed two games to recover before returning to the Penguins lineup for Game 5.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} As teammates Conor Sheary and Patric Hörnqvist were out due to an injury, Rust joined Nick Bonino and Carter Rowney on the third line.{{cite web |last1=Gretz |first1=Adam |title=Bryan Rust returns to Penguins lineup; Schultz, Hornqvist remain out |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/bryan-rust-returns-to-penguins-lineup-schultz-hornqvist-remain-out |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 21, 2017}} Rust scored in his return to give the Penguins a 3–2 series lead,{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Penguins cruise past Senators in Game 5, take 3–2 series lead |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-senators-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-289548768 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 21, 2017}} and lead them to an eventual series win.{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Pete |title=How the Penguins were built |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/jake-guentzel-ron-hainsey-helped-penguins-reach-final-289628856 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113010935/https://www.nhl.com/news/jake-guentzel-ron-hainsey-helped-penguins-reach-final-289628856|archive-date=November 13, 2023}} While Rust finished the series strong, he struggled during the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals against the Nashville Predators.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} In Game 4, he earned the opportunity to play with Crosby and Jake Guentzel, but had accumulated only one assist and three shots on goal in four games.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=5 Penguins who must contribute against Predators in Game 5 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-players-who-must-step-up-in-stanley-cup-final-289838822 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 8, 2017}} His first goal of the series came in Game 5 as he helped give the Penguins a 6–0 shutout and force a Game 6 and push the Predators to elimination.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Penguins on cusp of winning Cup again thanks to stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-on-cusp-of-winning-stanley-cup-again-thanks-to-stars-289853740 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 9, 2017}} The Penguins would go on to win their second Stanley Cup in as many years the following game.{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Pete |last2=Satriano |first2=David |title=How Penguins won Stanley Cup |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/how-penguins-won-stanley-cup-289899804 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 12, 2017}}

As a pending free agent after the 2017–18 season, Rust recorded career highs in assists and points.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He began the season with four goals and 18 points through his first 38 games before suffering an injury in late December.{{cite web |title=Penguins place Letang, Rust on injured reserve |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/penguins-place-letang-rust-injured-reserve/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=December 28, 2017}} After missing nearly a month to recover, Rust made an immediate impact on the lineup by tallying four goals and seven points through his first seven games back.{{cite web |last1=Yohe |first1=Josh |title='Comforting' Bryan Rust making a big difference during Penguins' surge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/242687/2018/02/15/comforting-bryan-rust-making-a-big-difference-during-penguins-surge/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231113015004/https://theathletic.com/242687/2018/02/15/comforting-bryan-rust-making-a-big-difference-during-penguins-surge/ |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live |date=February 15, 2018}} He earned praise from head coach Mike Sullivan who called him a swiss army knife and a versatile player who could play "up and down the lineup.”{{cite news |last1=Mackey |first1=Jason |title=Since his return, Bryan Rust's confidence is soaring |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/02/11/Since-hi-return-Bryan-Rust-s-confidence-is-soaring-Penguins-St-Louis-Blues-NHL/stories/201802110177 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=February 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205150742/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/02/11/Since-hi-return-Bryan-Rust-s-confidence-is-soaring-Penguins-St-Louis-Blues-NHL/stories/201802110177 |archive-date=December 5, 2018}} Although Rust experienced a dip in scoring, he set new career-highs in assists with 25 and points with 38. His efforts helped the Penguins qualify for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, where they would meet the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=5 Keys: Flyers at Penguins, Game 1 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-pittsburgh-penguins-game-1-preview-297891070 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 11, 2018}} Rust scored three goals during the first-round series, including an empty-net goal in Game 6, to help the Penguins clinch the series win.{{cite web |title=Penguins 8 Flyers 5 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/games/2039022 |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=April 22, 2018}} After the Penguins fell in the second round to the Washington Capitals, Rust signed a four-year $3.5 million contract extension to remain with the team.{{cite web |title=Penguins re-sign winger Bryan Rust to four-year contract |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/penguins-re-sign-winger-bryan-rust-four-year-contract/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 12, 2023 |date=June 26, 2018}}

File:Bryan Rust 2019-04-14.jpg

Rust began the 2018–19 season slowly, scoring only one goal through 29 games and none for 21 consecutive games.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He broke this drought on December 12, with a hat-trick in a loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Rust breaks slump with hat trick |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rust-breaks-slump-with-hat-trick-302875274 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 15, 2023 |date=December 12, 2018}} This hat-trick sparked a resurgence for Rust who added three more goals over seven games before the NHL's Christmas break began.{{cite web |last1=Madden |first1=Mark |title=Letang stepping up to help fuel Penguins turnaround |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/letang-stepping-up-to-help-fuel-penguins-turnaround-303258680 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 16, 2023 |date=December 26, 2018}} Following the break, Rust suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 30.{{cite web |title=Crosby's 4 points lead streaking Penguins past Blues 6–1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401044912 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 16, 2023 |date=December 30, 2018}} He missed one game to recover before returning to the Penguins lineup on January 2 and contributing to their 7–2 win over the New York Rangers.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Snap Shots: Pens 7, Rangers 2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/snap-shots-pens-rangers-303490096 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 16, 2023 |date=January 2, 2019}} Rust was limited to only three goals in January but began February with two goals in a 5–3 win over the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web |last1=Madden |first1=Mark |title=Confident Rust hitting his stride mid-season |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rust-hitting-his-stride-304464172 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 16, 2023 |date=February 4, 2019}} During this time, Rust often played alongside Phil Kessel and Malkin on the Penguins second line and with Riley Sheahan on the Penguins penalty kill.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} After Sheahan was traded at the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline, Rust gained Matt Cullen as his new linemate.{{cite news |last1=Bombulie |first1=Jonathan |title=Penguins' Bryan Rust adapting to life without fellow Notre Dame grad Riley Sheahan |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-bryan-rust-adapting-to-life-without-fellow-notre-dame-grad-riley-sheahan/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115052015/https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-bryan-rust-adapting-to-life-without-fellow-notre-dame-grad-riley-sheahan/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023}} Despite his slow start, Rust accumulated a career-high 17 goals before suffering a lower-body injury during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 26.{{cite news |last1=Vensel |first1=Matt |title=Bryan Rust, Chad Ruhwedel injured in Penguins' 5–2 win in Columbus |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/02/26/Bryan-Rust-Chad-Ruhwedel-injured-Pittsburgh-Penguins-Colum |access-date=November 17, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117020005/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/02/26/Bryan-Rust-Chad-Ruhwedel-injured-Pittsburgh-Penguins-Columbus-Blue-Jackets/stories/201902260195 |archive-date=November 17, 2023}} He missed nine games to recover and returned to the Penguins lineup on March 17.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} He played 19 minutes in his return on the second line with Teddy Blueger and Kessel.{{cite news |last1=Vensel |first1=Matt |title=Bryan Rust returns to Penguins lineup against Flyers; Kris Letang still sidelined |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/03/17/Pittsburgh-Penguins-injuries-Evgeni-Malkin-Bryan-Rust-Kris-Letang/stories/201903170210 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=March 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117020513/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/03/17/Pittsburgh-Penguins-injuries-Evgeni-Malkin-Bryan-Rust-Kris-Letang/stories/201903170210 |archive-date=November 17, 2023}} Rust and the Penguins met with the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs but were swept in four games.{{cite web |title=Islanders beat Penguins in Game 4 to sweep first-round series |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/islanders-beat-penguins-game-4-sweep-first-round-series/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=April 16, 2019}}

Rust began the 2019–20 season on long-term injured reserve after suffering a hand injury during the preseason.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Mike |title=Penguins place Bryan Rust on long-term injured reserve |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/penguins-place-bryan-rust-long-term-injured-reserve/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=October 2, 2019}} Rust was activated off injured reserve on October 26 after missing 11 games.{{cite web |title=Pens Activate Bjugstad, Rust and Trotman from Injured Reserve |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/pens-activate-bjugstad-rust-and-trotman-from-injured-reserve-310531108 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=October 26, 2019}} Through the first six games following his return, Rust totalled five goals and two assists for seven points.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Rust's hot streak has Pens riding high |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-hot-streak-penguins-pens-riding-high-311116980 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=November 9, 2019}} Rust continued to score throughout November and was eventually promoted to the Penguins top line with Malkin and Guentzel.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} Rust had accumulated 17 points through 14 games before suffering an injury in early December.{{cite news |title=Bryan Rust, Justin Schultz nearing return for the Penguins, officially 'game-time decisions' |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/12/05/Rust-Schultz-nearing-return-for-the-Penguins-officially-game-time-decisions-for-Friday/stories/201912050160 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124200416/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/12/05/Rust-Schultz-nearing-return-for-the-Penguins-officially-game-time-decisions-for-Friday/stories/201912050160 |archive-date=November 24, 2023}} He missed three games before returning to the Penguins top line on December 5 in a game against the Arizona Coyotes.{{cite news |title=Bryan Rust, Justin Schultz, Jack Johnson return to Penguins lineup |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/12/06/justin-schultz-injury-penguins-zach-trotman-wilkes-barre-scranton/stories/201912060116 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=December 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815015933/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/12/06/justin-schultz-injury-penguins-zach-trotman-wilkes-barre-scranton/stories/201912060116 |archive-date=August 15, 2020}} Shortly thereafter, five Penguins players experienced injuries and illnesses that took them out of the lineup.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} As a result, Rust gained more on-ice responsibility and matched his career-high in power-play goals with four.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Rust's offensive explosion helping injury-riddled Pens |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rust-s-offensive-explosion-helping-injury-riddled-pens-312605314 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=December 14, 2019}} In Crosby and Guentzel's absences, Rust accumulated 17 goals to help the Penguins finish the month with a 10–2 record.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Resilient Pens overcoming the odds |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/resilient-pens-overcoming-the-odds-313549924 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=January 6, 2020}} During a game against the Red Wings on January 17, 2020, Rust scored his 20th goal in his 34th game to mark the first 20-goal campaign in his NHL career.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Snap Shots: Penguins 2, Red Wings 1 (OT) |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/snap-shots-penguins-red-wings-314082088 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=January 17, 2020}} By mid-February, Rust had set a new career high and led the team with 23 goals.{{cite web |last1=Kasan |first1=Sam |title=Inside Scoop: By the numbers |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/inside-scoop-by-the-numbers-315271442 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=February 19, 2020}} On March 3, Rust recorded his third career NHL hat-trick to help the Penguins end a six-game losing streak with a 7–3 win against the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Rust hat trick helps Penguins top Senators, end six-game losing streak |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-senators-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-315777184 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=March 3, 2020}} When the regular-season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12, Rust had accumulated a career high 27 goals and 56 points.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Rust looks at season pause as next challenge for Penguins |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-rust-sees-pause-as-next-challenge-316548536 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=April 7, 2020}} During the lockdown, Rust quarantined in Pittsburgh with his wife, brother-in-law, and Penguins teammate Zach Aston-Reese.{{cite news |last1=Adamski |first1=Chris |title=Penguins' Zach Aston-Reese moves in with Bryan Rust, wife |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-zach-aston-reese-moves-in-with-teammate-bryan-rust-wife-during-quarantine/ |access-date=November 24, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=April 7, 2020}} They rejoined the Penguins when the NHL started its return-to-play initiative for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs and played against the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Qualifying Round.{{cite web |title=2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. Montreal Canadiens |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/penguins-canadiens-series-preview/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=July 31, 2020}} During the Canadiens four game sweep, Rust remained on the wing of center Evgeni Malkin and contributed one goal and two assists.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |title=Penguins A to Z: Always selfless, Bryan Rust has become invaluable |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-a-to-z-always-selfless-bryan-rust-has-become-invaluable/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111201619/https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-a-to-z-always-selfless-bryan-rust-has-become-invaluable/ |archive-date=January 11, 2021}}

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was delayed until January 13, 2021, and the regular season was reduced to 56 games.{{cite web |title=NHL 2020–21 season FAQ: Answering key questions ahead of unique year |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-2020-21-faq-answering-key-questions-ahead-unique-season/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=December 21, 2020}} Through the first 11 games of the season, Rust was one of the Penguins most consistent scorers as he tallied two goals and six assists.{{cite web |title=Game Preview: 02.11.21 at NYI |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/game-preview-at-new-york-islanders-321280776 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=February 11, 2021}} While he began the season playing on Malkin’s right wing, an injury to Evan Rodrigues in the sixth game of the season resulted in Rust being promoted to Crosby's line.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |title=Penguins A to Z: Bryan Rust can really cash in next offseason |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-a-to-z-bryan-rust-can-really-cash-in-next-offseason/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=July 20, 2021}} Upon being reunited with Crosby and Guentzel on the Penguins top line, the trio had a dominating start to February.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} Throughout the first five games of the month, the trio accounted for 40 per cent of all Penguins goals and combined for 16 points.{{cite web |title=Game Preview: 02.18.21 vs. NYI |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/game-preview-vs-islanders-321503444 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=February 18, 2021}} Rust was also named the NHL's Third Star of the Week for the week ending on February 14 after recording three goals and two assists for five points through two games.{{cite web |title=Bryan Rust Named NHL Third Star of the Week |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-named-nhl-third-star-of-the-week-321417832 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=February 15, 2021}} The Penguins began relying more heavily on the trio in March after four of their forwards suffered injuries.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=Rustache Boy |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rustache-boy-322724294 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=March 20, 2021}} On March 27, Rust recorded his fourth career NHL hat-trick to lift the Penguins 6–3 over the New York Islanders and extend his point streak to six games.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Rust scores hat trick, Penguins top Islanders for third straight victory |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-321851566 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=March 27, 2021}} On April 9, during a game against the New Jersey Devils, Rust scored two goals to reach 200 career NHL points.{{cite news |last1=DeFabo |first1=Mike |title=Two power play goals, one highlight-reel save lift Penguins past Devils |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2021/04/09/pittsburgh-penguins-new-jersey-devils-nhl-score-who-won/stories/202104090163 |access-date=November 27, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127015613/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2021/04/09/pittsburgh-penguins-new-jersey-devils-nhl-score-who-won/stories/202104090163 |archive-date=November 27, 2023}} This made him the 21st member of the 2010 NHL Draft class to reach this milestone.{{cite web |title=Game Preview: 04.09.21 at NJD |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/game-preview-at-devils-323446198 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=April 9, 2021}} The following month, Rust scored his 99th and 100th career NHL goals in a game against the Washington Capitals.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=Rust Comes Up Clutch |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rust-comes-up-clutch/c-324237762 |publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=8 May 2021 |date=1 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508064713/https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/rust-comes-up-clutch/c-324237762 |url-status=live }} Rust finished 2020–21 season with 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points through 56 games as the Penguins finished the regular season as the East Division champions.{{cite web |title=Penguins Clinch East Division Title |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-clinch-east-division-title-324496520 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=May 8, 2021}} Due to their first place finish, the Penguins met with the New York Islanders in the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs East Division First Round.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=2021 Round 1 Series Storylines: Penguins vs. Islanders |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/round-1-series-storylines-penguins-islanders-324642586 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=May 13, 2021}} Rust scored two goals and one assist over six games as the Penguins fell to the Islanders.

Rust returned to the Penguins for the 2021–22 season, the final year of his four-year contract.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} While he originally struggled with scoring due to injuries and COVID-19, Rust finished the season with a career-high 34 assists and 58 points.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} After recording an empty-net goal in the Penguins season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rust suffered a lower body injury the following game on October 14 and missed seven games to recover.{{cite web |title=Penguins Activate Bryan Rust off of Injured Reserve |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-activate-bryan-rust-off-of-injured-reserve-327656778 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=November 6, 2021}} While he was recovering, the Penguins earned points in five straight games to start the season with a 3–0–2 record.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=Penguins Optimistic After First Regulation Loss |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-optimistic-after-first-regulation-loss-327268570 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=October 26, 2021}} Rust struggled to score upon his return and experienced a 10-game goalless slump that was snapped on November 24 against the Vancouver Canucks.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} Two days later, he left warmups early before a game against the New York Islanders and was placed on injured reserve.{{cite news |last1=DeFabo |first1=Mike |title=Penguins place Bryan Rust on IR; Drew O'Connor recalled |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2021/11/28/Penguins-place-Bryan-Rust-on-IR-Drew-O-Connor-recalled/stories/202111280216 |access-date=November 26, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130164139/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2021/11/28/Penguins-place-Bryan-Rust-on-IR-Drew-O-Connor-recalled/stories/202111280216 |archive-date=November 30, 2021}} While this injury resulted in him missing 11 games, Rust made an immediate impact to the lineup upon his return on January 2.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} During a game against the San Jose Sharks, Rust and Evan Rodrigues each recorded a hat-trick in the third period to lift the Penguins to an 8–5 win.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} This was the first time since 2008 that the Penguins had two players record hat tricks in a single game.{{cite web |title=Evan Rodrigues, Bryan Rust author hat tricks as Pittsburgh Penguins outlast San Jose Sharks |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/32980884/evan-rodrigues-bryan-rust-author-hat-tricks-pittsburgh-penguins-outlast-san-jose-sharks |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=January 2, 2022}} Following the hat-trick, Rust scored four more goals over the next three games before being added to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list on January 8.{{cite news |last1=DeFabo |first1=Mike |title=Bryan Rust rejoins Penguins at practice following bout with COVID |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2022/01/16/Bryan-Rust-rejoins-Penguins-at-practice-following-symptomatic-case-of-COVID/stories/202201160205 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117021445/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2022/01/16/Bryan-Rust-rejoins-Penguins-at-practice-following-symptomatic-case-of-COVID/stories/202201160205|archive-date=January 17, 2022}} He was activated off the protocol list on January 17 after missing four games.{{cite web |title=Penguins Announce Roster Moves |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-announce-roster-moves-329877578 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=January 17, 2022}} In spite of this gap, Rust was named the NHL's Third Star of January after he finished the month with 10 goals and 11 assists through 11 games.{{cite web |title=Penguins Forward Bryan Rust Named NHL's Third Star of January |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-forward-bryan-rust-named-nhls-third-star-of-january-330424710 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=February 1, 2022}} As a pending free agent after the season, Rust finished the 2021–22 season with 24 goals and 34 assists for 58 points.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} After the Penguins were eliminated from the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Rust signed a six-year $30.75 million extension with the Penguins.{{cite web |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Pittsburgh Penguins act fast, give a six-year contract extension to Bryan Rust week after elimination |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33960829/pittsburgh-penguins-act-fast-give-six-year-contract-extension-bryan-rust-week-elimination |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=May 21, 2022}}

During the first game of the 2023–24 season, Rust and Reilly Smith scored in the first 41 seconds of the third period to become the second-fastest Penguins teammates to score at the start of a period in franchise history.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=Penguins score 5 in 3rd period, defeat Flames |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/calgary-flames-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-october-14 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 26, 2023 |date=October 14, 2023}} He continued to become one of the Penguins most productive players by tallying nine goals and seven assists through their first 17 games.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |title=Penguins forward Bryan Rust is 'day to day' due to injury |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-forward-bryan-rust-is-day-to-day-due-to-injury/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=November 22, 2023}} He missed three games with a lower-body injury in late November but quickly talied one goal and three assists in his first five games back.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} On December 6, Rust suffered an upper-body injury during a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and was expected to miss at least a week to recover.{{cite web |title=Rust week to week with upper-body injury for Penguins |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/bryan-rust-injury-status |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=December 12, 2023 |date=December 11, 2023}}

On December 12, 2024, Rust recorded his sixth career hat-trick and added an assist in a 9–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=Bryan Rust Scores Hat Trick In 9–2 Win Over Montreal |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/bryan-rust-scores-hat-trick-in-9-2-win-over-montreal |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=December 23, 2024}} After recording three goals over four games to start February, Rust suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |last1=Crechiolo |first1=Michelle |title=Penguins Lose Rust in Loss to Anaheim |url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-lose-rust-in-loss-to-anaheim |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=January 24, 2025}} He was activated off injured reserve on February 25 and returned to the Penguins lineup that night against the Philadelphia Flyers.{{cite news |last1=Rorabaugh |first1=Seth |title=Penguins activate forward Bryan Rust from injured reserve |url=https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-activate-forward-bryan-rust-from-injured-reserve-2/ |access-date=February 25, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=February 25, 2025}}

Rust's older brother Matt also played professional ice hockey and last played for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins during the 2011–12 AHL season.{{cite web|last1=Prewitt|first1=Alex|title=Game 7 hero Bryan Rust paving his own way with his brother's support|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/05/28/pittsburgh-penguins-bryan-rust-brother-matt|website=si.com|publisher=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=February 19, 2018|date=May 28, 2016|archive-date=February 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219150932/https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/05/28/pittsburgh-penguins-bryan-rust-brother-matt|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Matt Rust|url=http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11464|publisher=Elite Prospects|access-date=2014-12-14|archive-date=2014-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214171858/http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11464|url-status=live}} His older sister Erika is a high school English teacher and women’s soccer coach.{{cite web |last1=Lomon |first1=Chris |title=Bryan Rust continues competitive fire as he approaches 400th NHL Game |url=https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-22264/bryan-rust-continues-competitive-fire-as-he-approaches-400th-nhl-game |publisher=NHLPA |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=February 11, 2022}}

Rust met his wife Kelsey Burton in 2016 through mutual friends and the two were married on July 13, 2019, in Michigan.{{cite news |last1=Vensel |first1=Matt |title=Four weddings, Penguins style |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/09/27/penguins-weddings-bryan-rust-casey-desmith-erik-gudbranson-matt-murray/stories/201909270161 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250225204447/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/09/27/penguins-weddings-bryan-rust-casey-desmith-erik-gudbranson-matt-murray/stories/201909270161 |archive-date=February 25, 2025}} {{as of|2024}}, they have two sons together.{{cite web |title=Penguins' Bryan Rust welcomes second son |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-penguins-bryan-rust-second-son/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=February 25, 2025 |date=March 8, 2024}}

{{MedalBox|sport=Men's ice hockey|country={{ih18|USA}}|medals=

{{Medal|Comp|World Junior U18 Championships}}

{{Medal|Gold|2010 Belarus|}}

}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Ice hockey stats}}
• [http://t1elite.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=1400957&seasonid=2105 Bryan Rust's junior statistics] at [http://t1elite.stats.pointstreak.com Pointstreak Sites]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rust, Bryan}}

Category:1992 births

Category:American men's ice hockey right wingers

Category:Ice hockey players from Michigan

Category:Living people

Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's ice hockey players

Category:Sportspeople from Novi, Michigan

Category:Ice hockey people from Oakland County, Michigan

Category:Sportspeople from Pontiac, Michigan

Category:Pittsburgh Penguins draft picks

Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen