Rust (upper body) will be a game-time decision versus Carolina on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Reading between the lines, coach Mike Sullivan prefers to announce a player as a game-time call, rather than outright saying he will play, when returning from injury. Additionally, the team sent Daniel Sprong down to the minors in order to clear room under the 23-man limit, which allows them to activate Rust off injured reserve. Finally, Ryan Reaves was the last forward off the ice for the game-day skate, per Jonathan Bombulie of TribLive.com, an indication that Reaves won't be in the lineup. All signs point to Rust suiting up against the Hurricanes on Tuesday, but don't expect official confirmation until warm-ups.

Rust (upper body) took part in practice Monday, including taking contact.

EDGE Analysis

Absorbing contact is a significant step in the right direction for Rust, who has been sidelined since Dec. 27 due to his upper-body injury. The winger's status ahead of Tuesday's matchup with Carolina remains unclear, but if he is given the all-clear, Tom Kuhnhackl could find himself relegated to the press box. Don't be surprised to see coach Mike Sullivan describe Rust as a game-time decision leading into his return from injury.

Rust will be sidelined for an extended stretch after suffering an upper-body injury Wednesday versus Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Mike Sullivan didn't provide a specific timeline for Rust's absence, but "long term" is certainly not an encouraging phrase. While it has not officially happened, the paperwork placing the winger on IR is probably already headed to the league offices. Dominik Simon figures to slot into the lineup in Rust's stead with a call-up from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton likely to be announced soon -- almost certainly Daniel Sprong, who leads the Baby Pens with 24 points.

Rust was limited to just 10:06 for an undisclosed reason, but coach Mike Sullivan indicated he did not have an update on the winger's status following the contest.

EDGE Analysis

Rust posted an assist and a shot on goal before exiting mysteriously. There was no apparent injury reported at the time of his departure, making his absence from the remainder of the game slightly puzzling. More information on his status will likely surface in the coming days.

Rust picked up an assist in a 5-1 victory against the Sabres on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old started the season extremely hot, but he cooled off towards the end of October, and then stayed that way for most of November. But he's beginning to contribute again even in other ways besides scoring. Last week, Rust had games with six shots on goal and four penalty minutes. There's room for more scoring as well since his 7.7 shooting percentage this season is a tab low compared to his career 9.1 mark.

Rust's hot start to the year -- eights points in six games -- has ground to a halt.

EDGE Analysis

Unsurprisingly, Rust's failure to get on the scoresheet saw him dropped from the Pens' second line, where he was playing with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, into a bottom-six role. If the 25-year-old Rust continues to struggle, don't be surprised if coach Mike Sullivan drops him from the game-day lineup for a couple games in favor of Josh Archibald.

Rust scored his first goal of the season and added an assist in Thursday's loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has started the season with a bang, racking up seven points through five games. He's currently skating on the first line with Sidney Crosby, but his goal Thursday came with the team's second power-play unit. After proving his goal-scoring ability in the playoffs last season, Rust is evolving into a solid contributing scorer for Pittsburgh. If he sticks in a top-six role and the power-play time doesn't disappear, Rust is worth snatching up in deep leagues.

Rust set up two goals in Saturday's 4-0 victory over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Rust skated with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel after a line shuffle, and has four assists in three games. Snap him up if he's available.

Rust failed to log a point in Monday's preseason opener.

EDGE Analysis

Despite suiting up for the preseason opener, Rust was held off the scoresheet. Since he got into Monday's contest, the winger likely won't suit up Tuesday versus Detroit.

Rust will be eligible to be picked up by Vegas during Wednesday's expansion draft.

EDGE Analysis

The young winger missed a lot of time with an arm injury in the past season, yet he was still able to record 15 goals and 28 points in 57 games, also adding 101 hits. Rust also made his presence known on the way to a Stanley Cup Championship, racking up seven goals and nine point sin 23 games. It's obvious the 25-year-old has the ability to turn it up a notch when it really matters, which combined with his young age, could make him a valued option to head to the desert.