Rust (arm) will be a game-time decision for Friday night's contest against the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that it will take until warmups to determine if Rust can go after a lengthy 20-game absence. If the Penguins decide not to slot the Michigan native in Friday, he's a virtual lock to return to action Sunday against the Flyers.

Rust (arm) is no longer on injured reserve, according to the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

This marks a significant step toward returning for Rust who was described by coach Mike Sullivan as "getting close" prior to Thursday's tilt. A bevy of injuries in the Burgh have led to more subtractions than additions of late, so getting back the 24-year-old would be a welcome site. The team has yet to announce whether the winger will return to action Friday against the Islanders, but if he does; Josh Archibald figures to be the leading candidate to get bumped from the lineup.

Rust (arm) is "getting close" according to coach Mike Sullivan but will not be available Thursday against Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was able to ditch the non-contact jersey at practice, per Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop, which is an encouraging sign for the youngster. With a bevy of injuries, the Pens will need every body they can get back in order to make a deep postseason run.

Rust (arm) is skating with the team but has yet to take contact, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

It looks like Rust won't miss the rest of the regular season, but gauging a return date is tough to do. Once he absorbs contact, then we'll get a better idea of when he might come back. Until then, it's safe to keep the speedster benched.

Rust (arm) is not expected back much before the start of the postseason, Jonathan Bombulie of Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team did not provide a most specific timeline for Rust's return but given the level of energy and intensity he injects into the lineup, they no doubt want to get him back sooner rather than later. Fantasy owners in dynasty leagues may want to consider holding on to him for the future, but redraft league owners should probably look for other options to close out the year.

Rust (arm) will not travel with the team for their four-game road trip to Western Canada.

EDGE Analysis

The 2016 postseason hero hasn't played since Feb. 9, and with today's announcement, has effectively been ruled out until at least Mar. 15 when the Penguins return to Pennsylvania to play the Flyers in Philadelphia. Rust has been skating since Friday and will presumably continue to do so while he remains in Pittsburgh, which should put him in position to enter the lineup as soon as he's medically cleared.

Rust skated Friday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve on Feb. 14.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Mike Sullivan says that while it's a sign of progress, he's still a ways away from returning to playing in game. The 24-year-old was having a solid campaign before going down--25 points in 50 games--and when he does eventually return he will be a player to keep your eye on.

Rust (arm) did not travel with the team for their two-game road trip, Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has already missed the Pens' last seven games and is now going to be sidelined for two more. The 24-year-old was having a solid sophomore campaign playing alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin -- 25 points in 50 outings -- and while he wasn't providing top-end fantasy value, he was worth a look as a mid-range option. With the emergence of Jake Guentzel, it is unclear where Rusty will fit in once healthy, but it would seem unlikely coach Mike Sullivan won't try to find a spot for the speedy winger.

Rust (arm) is listed on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

With the recent news that Rust will miss a significant amount of time, the move to IR doesn't come as much of a surprise, though he does remain without a timetable for return. Despite averaging only 13:26 of ice time, including minimal time on the power play, the Michigan native has taken a respectable 89 shots on goal for an average of 1.78 per game.

According to coach Mike Sullivan, Rust (arm) will be out "longer-term", Michelle Crechiolo of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust had certainly settled into his role as one of the Pens top-six wingers, as he spent time playing alongside both Evgeni Malkin (knee) and Sidney Crosby for portions of the season. Unsurprisingly given those linemates, the 24-year-old has already reached career highs in goals (12), assists (13), and shots on goal (89). The winger remains without a timeline to return to action and Jake Guentzel figures to replace him as the young, speedy winger to the Pens' top talents.