Rust (undisclosed) returned to practice Wednesday and took part in Thursday's morning skate. "Rusty is feeling really good," Coach Mike Sullivan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He's really close. I think the most important thing from our standpoint is to get him into some more intense drills and activities within the group. We'll try to do that over the next few days here. But Rusty is really encouraging as far as where he's at."

EDGE Analysis

It sounds as though Rust could make his season debut during the second week of the regular season. Sullivan has gone on record saying Rust is closer to returning than Sidney Crosby.

Rust was ruled out for Thursday's meeting with Washington, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust became a crucial piece of the Pens during the postseason after racking up nine points in 23 contests. The winger's speed on the ice might not directly translate into fantasy points, but he will be given plenty of opportunities to get on the scoresheet. Once healthy, Rust is unlikely to offer top-tier value, but could be a viable mid-season pickup for owners hard hit by injuries.

Rust (undisclosed) skated prior to the Pens' practice Tuesday. "He's been skating consistently here on his own for quite some time now," Sullivan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "We're encouraged with his progress. The next step, obviously, will be when he joins the team."

EDGE Analysis

Sullivan gave no timetable as to when Rust might begin skating with the team, but the news is positive nonetheless. The winger collected only 11 points (4G, 7A) in 41 games last season, but helped Pittsburgh with his aggressive forechecking ability.

Rust is dealing with an undisclosed injury, an ailment which has nothing to do with the finger he broke during the Stanley Cup Final, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust, who scored six goals and nine points in Pittsburgh's playoff run, has yet to practice with the team. He'll miss the beginning of the season and the team has yet to release a timetable for his return.

Rust (finger) was held out of practice Friday, Sam Warner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan says that Rust, along with several other players, was held out due to "precautionary reasons", and that they "want to make sure that we get ahead of [the injuries] right away, so they don't turn into anything that we've got to manage moving forward." The 24-year-old right wing injured his finger during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Rust netted four goals and helped on seven more in 41 games last season for the Penguins.

Rust stated that he broke his finger during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Josh Yohe of DK on Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust probably did not even notice the injury while lifting the Stanley Cup after the game and should be healthy for next year. The 24-year-old speedster certainly put his mark on the postseason and should be a permanent fixture in Pens lineup moving forward.

Rust (head) will be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 2 against the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's contest after leaving Game 1 with an apparent head injury, but is evidently no longer feeling the effects of the high hit he took from Patrick Marleu in Monday's tilt. Pittsburgh will be thrilled to have the 24-year-old winger in the lineup for Game 2, as he's been on fire of late, racking up five points (four goals, one assist) over his last four games. Rust will slot into his usual top-six role Wednesday against the Sharks, skating alongside Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz on the Penguins' second line.

Rust (head) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's Game 2 matchup with the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Rust, who left Game 1 after a hit to the head by Patrick Marleau, has been a goal scoring machine as he has put four pucks into the back of the net in his last three outings. If he is unable to go, the speedy winger will likely be replaced by the oft-injured Beau Bennett. Centered by Evgeni Malkin, the 24-year-old has grown exponentially in the postseason, including scoring six playoff goals compared to just four in the regular season.

Rust (head) scored the first goal of the Final on Monday, giving him four goals in the last three games.

EDGE Analysis

He left Monday's tilt after taking a head-jarring hit from Patrick Marleau, underwent concussion protocol, returned and then left again. Rust has come up big in the postseason and fantasy owners will want to keep close watch on his availability for Game 2 on Wednesday.

Rust left Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals with the Sharks after receiving a high hit from Patrick Marleau, and is questionable to return.

EDGE Analysis

Rust appeared to get hit in the head while Marleau crossed paths with him. He went back to the locker room, then returned once for one shift, and then went back to the locker room for a second time. He is questionable to return, but it doesn't seem likely due to leaving for a second trip back.