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.