Rust (lower body) will return to action Wednesday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Rust will return to a prominent role Wednesday, skating with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel on the Penguins' top line. The 26-year-old American has been a solid secondary scorer for Pittsburgh this season, notching nine goals and 18 points in 38 appearances.

Rust (lower body) will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup with the Rangers, Josh Getzoff of PensTV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was in attendance at Wednesday's game-day skate and took rushes alongside Sidney Crosby, per Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop, which means his designation as a game-time call is probably just a formality. While all signs point to Rust suiting up, fantasy owners will likely have to wait until warm-ups for final confirmation of his status. Prior to getting hurt, the winger racked up eight goals in his previous nine games and was clearly benefiting from playing with Sid the Kid.

Rust (lower body) will sit out Monday's road game versus the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was injured in the Pens last game, a 6-1 win over the Blues on Saturday. He'll miss the first game of their mini two-game road trip but hopefully won't miss much time beyond that. Rust's next opportunity to play after tonight comes Wednesday in New York versus the Rangers.

Rust scored twice in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Rust is loving life on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, the latter of whom assisted on both of Rust's goals in this one. Eight of Rust's nine goals this season have come in the past six games, as he's gone from fantasy non-factor to major contributor in the blink of an eye.

Rust has failed to register a point in six consecutive games.

EDGE Analysis

After setting career highs in assists (25) and points (38) last season, expectations were high for Rust heading into the 2018-19 campaign. Unfortunately, the winger has struggled to produce and is in danger of missing the 20-point mark this year. The 26-year-old has moved all over the lineup, but so far no combination has been able to provide him with the spark he needs to jump start his season.

Rust picked up his first point of the year in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Rust helped get the puck out of the defensive zone to break Kris Letang for an empty-net goal that sealed the Pens' victory. For now, the winger seems to have been promoted to the top line alongside Sidney Crosby, which should bolster his chances of compiling some additional points as long as he remains in that role.

Rust failed to register a point in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Vancouver.

EDGE Analysis

It's early so being without a point is still not a huge cause for concern. Nonetheless, Rust's owners had to have hoped for a better start than the one the 26-year-old forward has delivered them. Pointless in five games and playing to a minus-4 rating, Rust has been a no show early on and even saw a season-low 13:30 of ice time Tuesday night. He'll look to open his account Thursday when the Penguins visit Toronto.

Rust agreed to terms on a four-year, $14 million contract with Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Given Rust's ability to play pretty much anywhere in the Penguins' lineup -- from the top line with Sidney Crosby to a third-line grinder role -- there was little doubt the team was going to try to lock him into a long-term deal. The 25-year-old set new career highs in assists (25) and points (38) last year and will look to continue to build on those numbers heading into 2018-19. The Michigan native offers improved fantasy value when assigned to play with Pittsburgh's stars, but can still offer quality depth scoring even when anchoring the third line.

Rust failed to register a single point during Pittsburgh's second-round exit coutesousy of Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Including the playoffs, Rust had a disappointing end to the year, as he registered just three points (all goals) in his final 18 contests. Despite late season slump, the winger still managed to set career highs in assists (25), points (38) and shots on goal (123). Looking ahead to 28-19, the Michigan native is right on the cusp of being a full-time, top-six player, but could still periodically find himself on the third or fourth lines, based on injuries and who else might be playing well. Rust's consistent effort and work ethic is what will keep him in the lineup and playing with Pittsburgh's stars.

Rust found the back of the empty net to finalize the Pens' 8-5 win over the Flyers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust always seems to step up his scoring during the postseason. For his career, the winger is averaging .18 goals per game during the regular season (33 in 181 games), but that number jumps to .30 (16 in 52) in the playoffs. While the Michigan native may be currently filling a third-line role, he could still find himself elevated to top-six spot in the lineup depending on other guys picking up injuries or falling into slumps along the way.