Winger Bryan Rust was having a good game for the Penguins Saturday as he scored a goal to make it a 2-0 lead in favor of his team, until it went downhill. In the middle of the second period, Rust was hit into the boards into his right leg and hobbled to the bench and went down the runway.
Rust did not return to the game and for now there is no update to his current status for the Penguins upcoming game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild.
Bryan Rust couldn't put any weight on his right leg after being angled into the boards by Nils Hoglander. The Penguins winger hopped off the ice and had to be helped down the runway.
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 27, 2024
Rust is one of those players that has been servicable for so many years, one that has been counted on and looked up to for so many seasons. You hate to see him get injured and not return to the game. He is usually captain Sidney Crosby's left winger and has been on Crosby's line for so many years, He is a tough one to replace.
There are not many options to replace him as the right winger on the Crosby line, but there are a few choices that you can go with. Keep in mind in Saturday's game, he was on the wing with Evgeni Malkin, but he is usually on the top line with Crosby.
The Options to Replace Rust on the Top Line
The first option you could go with, is putting wing Anthony Beauvillier on the top line with Crosby in replacement of Rust. This is not a great option as he has gone mostly silent to start the season and actually looked great on Malkin's line in Saturday's game.
The second option you could go with, is you could recall prospect Rutger McGroarty and try him on the Crosby line. This is an intriguing option but McGroarty has struggled in Wilkes Barre and needs time to develop.
The third option is you could try is you could try Valtteri Pusstinen on the Crosby line. He is a young forward with upside and has a hell of a shot and deserves a chance, but he is better suited in a bottom six role.
The Penguins have a choice to make before their upcoming game against the Wild.