Rust (lower body) was a full practice participant Monday and is hoping to play against Ottawa on Friday, Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust missed the Penguins' previous 11 games due to his lower-body injury and appears on track to get back sooner rather than later. If given the all-clear, Rust may be tasked with immediately jumping onto the top line with Sidney Crosby, especially with Jake Guentzel (upper body) and Evan Rodrigues (COVID-19 protocols) in doubt.