In Rust We Trust

By: Medina Chebatoris (@Medina_MarieC)

Bryan Rust. That is not a name one would have thought of to discuss when the 2015-2016 NHL seasons began. Relatively unheard of until his call up, Rust has been a breath of fresh air on a team that had gone stale and has proven to be a dependable asset to a Penguin’s line-up plagued by multiple injuries. His flat-out style of play and methodic skating ability are just two attributes that have come in handy for the “patch-work Pens”. With the regular season waning, Bryan Rust has defiantly made his case as to why he deserves to be a member of this top-level organization at full-time status.

Drafted in the 3rd round (80th overall) in 2010, Rust has made it a mission to showcase why he is worthy of high consideration to Penguins’ management. It was not until this season, however, that the fates aligned for the Notre Dame alum (paired with injuries to star players) that would allow him the needed amount of time to do so. Never one to shy away from a challenge (he did overcome a speech impediment after all), Rust took right to work being put in a third line “grinder” role, a role that fits him rather well according to Russ Hryvnak (of DK Pittsburgh Sports) when I asked what his thoughts were on the young winger:

“Bryan (Rust) fit’s the grinder role better than a Sheary, Wilson or Sunqvist. When the NHL’ers are back from injury, they are going to need those checking- line type forwards to fill in the holes”

What he says is true. Rust possess a simple yet hard-nosed playing style and isn’t afraid to take chances. He will go after a puck and try to make the most of his time on the ice without any hesitation. He has also become a trusted and dependable defensive player in key situations, but don’t look for him to get into any scraps.

“Rust certainly is not going to be the guy who drops the gloves. He has just 24 PIM’s in 98 games. Even at Notre Dame, he (Rust) had only 34 penalty minutes all four years, within 161 games” (Russ Hryvnak, DKPghSports).

Not taking senseless fighting penalties will defiantly help down the stretch when every point is precious especially when on a team fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot.

Although excelling in his current role, Rust has the makings of being a prominent 2-way player. Being quoted as to “wanting to add more offensive skills to his game” (when interviewed by Russ Hryvnak, DKPghSports), he will get the chance to build and hone those abilities and even get more scoring chances playing on a line with more experienced team mates (he is currently on a line with fellow Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins team mates Tom Kuhnhackl and Oskar Sundqvist). For example: When on a line with Nick Bonino, he scored the game winning goal against Montreal on Jan. 9th. His bursts of speed as well as a love for putting puck-on-net any chance he can get, Rust has the mind and skill set to be the type of bottom 6 player the Penguins cannot afford to send back and waste in the minors. At times, Rust has reminded me a bit of Max Talbot. Though more offensively minded than Talbot (and less likely to pick a fight), both carry that certain something that make you bottom 6 get taken seriously. Whether it’s the physical play, their ability to generate offense, and even score the occasional goal, Rust is/Talbot was that bolt of energy needed at key moments of the game.

Bryan Rust is not going to be your highly-touted star winger. He is not going to be your main agitator. What Rust has shown is that he is the guy you can always count on to do what needs to be done, and will do so with every fiber of his being. You can see it in his smile…he wants to be here.

“Out of all the forwards that are up there, I’d say Rust has one of, if not the, best chance of staying” says Hryvnak and I whole-heartedly agree. He has done what has been asked of him and passed this test with flying colors. He deserves to wear the true Black and (Pittsburgh) Gold and be one of the key components in the future success of this team.

#MedinaChebatoris #Rust #Bryan #Hockey #Trust