Penguins Veteran Forward Sends a Strong Message to GM Kyle Dubas After Disappointing Season

Bryan Rust and the Pittsburgh Penguins are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third year running, light-years away from when playoff hockey was an annual fixture in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins are in the midst of a retooling. Veterans Jake Guentzel, Marcus Pettersson, and Brian Dumoulin are gone, and there are uncertainty questions. There is one that involves Rust, whose entire no-movement clause expires on July 1, 2025.

Despite all that, the veteran winger made it clear this week he does not wish to leave the city he has called home for 11 years.

Rust is signed through 2028 on a six-year, $30.75 million deal and carries a $5.125 million cap hit, a hit that should be more team-friendly as the cap rises.

He told the media, through Matt Vensel on X, that he's already had discussions with GM Kyle Dubas about being interested in staying.

At 32 years old, Rust is having his career year to date, notching 63 points (29 goals, 34 assists) in 70 games. He's been the only bright spot on a reeling team, playing well on a top line with Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell.

Head coach Mike Sullivan trusts Rust in every scenario, the power play, penalty kill, and even-strength.

Dubas can go ahead and add some youth and some speed to the lineup if he desires, but Rust's leadership qualities and being able to play all situations make it hard to trade him.

The Penguins wrap up their regular season at home Thursday evening against the Washington Capitals. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at PPG Paints Arena.