Rust scored a power-play goal in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

It was just the third power-play goal of Rust's career, but with a number of Penguins on the shelf, the winger has been forced to step up his game. Thus far, the Michigan native has answered the call with seven goals in 10 games since returning from a hand injury. At this pace, the 27-year-old should be a lock to reach the 20-goal mark for the first time in his six-year NHL career.

Rust scored a goal and added two assists in Saturday's 6-1 victory over the Maple Leafs. The goal came while shorthanded.

EDGE Analysis

So, suddenly this guy is a fantasy beast. Rust has 10 points, including six goals, in just nine games this season. Check your wire to see if he's out there. Rust won't maintain this pace, but he can clearly deliver secondary scoring.

Rust scored the game-tying goal and had two shots and three hits in Saturday's 3-2 shootout win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Rust's backdoor goal midway through the third period tied the game at 2-2 and sent thing into overtime. After missing the first 11 games of the season, Rust has been scorching hot since joining the lineup. He has recorded at least one point in each of his six games, including four goals in his last three outings. That's incredible production for a 27-year-old whose best season was a 38-point campaign in 2017-18. He did score a career-high 18 goals last season, so perhaps he's unlocked something. His current production will cool eventually, but he could be a good waiver wire addition while he's hot.

Rust scored two goals -- including the overtime winner -- in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Rust notched the middle tally in Pittsburgh's third-period comeback before adding the unassisted winner in overtime. The two-goal performance doubles Rust's season goal total to four, and he's yet to be held without a point in five games played this season.

Rust scored a goal in a 3-0 win over Dallas on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Missing the season's first 11 contests, Rust got his first taste of game action Saturday and wasted no time making an impact, scoring his first goal of the season midway through the second period. In a top-six role, the 27-year-old will see plenty of opportunities to get on the scoresheet, but Rust has never eclipsed 40 points in a season, making him a good-but-not-great asset in fantasy.

Rust (hand) has been removed from injured reserve ahead of Saturday's game against the Stars and is expected to make his season debut in the contest.

EDGE Analysis

Rust will jump right into a top-six role for his season debut. The 27-year-old winger potted a career-best 18 goals last season, and he shouldn't have trouble cracking double digits again this season, even with all the time he's missed.

Rust (hand) is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Stars, Seth Rorabaugh of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust worked on the second line with Nick Bjugstad (lower body) and Patric Hornqvist during Friday's practice, and it looks like he has a good shot to get back into the lineup. The 27-year-old is still on IR, so he'll need to be lifted before he gets the chance to play. If he's able to go, this would be Rust's season debut. He racked up 35 points over 72 games last season.

Rust (hand) was slotted into a second-line role at Friday's practice, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust is eligible to come off long-term injured reserve ahead of Saturday's matchup with Dallas and his inclusion in line rushes could be an indication that Pittsburgh plans to do just that. If he does make his 2019-20 debut Saturday, it figures to be in a top-six role alongside Nick Bjugstad (lower body) and Patric Hornqvist. The 27-year-old Rust's late start to the season could limit his chances of reaching the 35-point mark for a third straight year.

Rust (hand) wore a non-contact jersey during Monday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rust appears to be closing in on a return, as he was spotted using both hands on his stick, according to Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The 27-year-old still needs to practice without limitations before he re-enters the lineup, and since he's on long-term injured reserve, Rust won't be able to play until Saturday's contest against the Lightning.

Rust (hand) was spotted Tuesday on the ice going through a workout, Dave Molinari of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As Molinari notes, Rust was skating with his stick in his right hand rather than his injured left hand, so a return to game action shouldn't be viewed as imminent. Once healthy, the 27-year-old could be called upon to serve in a second- or third-line role for Pittsburgh.