Versatile Rust signs four-year extension
penalty-killer. Getting him locked into four years was important. We’re happy to havehim.”
And Rust is happy to be here, especially on a deal that offers plenty of financial security for someone who has not yet played 200 regular season games in the NHL.
“Anyone in this business playing sports or having short-term contracts, any time you can get as many years as you can or a few more years to have a little security is key,” Rust said. “I think that’s something I was really looking for, just to kind of be able to relax a little bit and not have to worry about things year after year or every year.”
Rust was a restricted free agent, although it was widely assumed the Penguins would offer a multi-year deal. His speed and versatility have been factors in their success overthe past three seasons.
Not only that, Rust has been an extremely clutch performer, with 10 goals and 11 points in 18 career playoff elimination games.
Rust, 26, had 13 goals and set career-highs with 25 assists and 38 points in 69 games in 2017-18. For his career, Rust has scored 33 goals and notched 79 points in 181 regular-season games, although Rutherford believes there’s another gear for Rust toreach.
“He hasn’t played a full season here in the last two seasons,” Rutherford said. “If he had, he would’ve got to 20 goals. So, yes, I believe there’s more there. There’s more productionfor him.”
Staying healthy would help.Rust has been dinged up at times but said it’s a focal point that he enters next seasonas a more durable player.
“It is definitely something that I have my eyes on — being able to stay healthy for a full season and produce a little bit more,” Rust said.
“Going forward, I’d like to work a little bit more on my scoring touch and finishing ability.That’s something that hopefully I can keep building on.
Predicting what Rust will do a given night is often tough. He has played right wing with Crosby, left wing with Evgeni Malkin and has thrived in checking-line roles. About the only thing you can expect is for Rust to be the first one on the ice for practices and morning skates.
The Notre Dame product steadily has increased his production each year as a pro and shown an ability to produce in all situations. Especially on the penalty kill, where his speed is a huge asset.
Having Rust in the fold means the Penguins have Malkin, Crosby, Phil Kessel, Patric Hornqvist, Rust, Kris Letang, Brian Dumoulin and Olli Maatta signed through 2022. It also means they retaina player who has meshed well with their speed-based identity.
“I think the overall style of game fits into the type of player that I am — northsouth speed game, try to play in transition and play as aggressive as possible,” Rust said. “I’ve been able to mesh well with the guys on the team and the coaching staff. They’ve trusted me as time has gone on. I’ve been trying to make the most of my opportunities.”
While it was hardly a surprise the Penguins extended Rust, Rutherford’s offseason is hardly done. In fact, it’s just beginning.
The Rust contract only increases the importance of the Penguins clearing cap space to afford everything they want to do, which Rutherford emphasized Monday.
The Penguins also remain in negotiations with center Riley Sheahan, whom they did not qualify Monday before the 5 p.m. deadline. They’re hopeful they can retain Sheahan, who has thrived in his fourth-line center role.
For now, though, Rust will continue to his lake house with his fiancé, Kelsey Burton. His other notable activity this summer was visiting his brother, Matt, in New York. One thing Rust won’t be doing, of course, is stressingover money.
“It’s really special,” Rust said. “It shows that all my hard work is starting to show a little bit and pay dividends. I’m not trying to sell those Stanley Cups short or any of the success our team has had, but, for me individually, this iskind of a mark of being able to become an established player in this league. Hopefully, I’ll continue to grow that.”
• NOTE — Tom Kuhnhackl helped the Penguins win two Stanley Cup titles. He nearly forced a Game 7 against the Washington Capitals when his overtime shot pinged off the post. Now, he’s looking for work. The Penguins did not give Kuhnhackl, who was a restricted free agent, a qualifying offer by the 5 p.m. Monday deadline, and they do not anticipate bringing him back in any capacity. Instead, Kuhnhackl, 26, now is an unrestricted free agent. According to general manager Jim Rutherford, the Penguins did not qualify Kuhnhackl because he holds arbitration rights, and the team worried that what Kuhnhackl might have made going that route would be more than they are comfortable paying because of salary-cap constraints. Minutes before the deadline, Rutherford said, the Penguins offered a two-year contract, but it was rejected.
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JMackeyPG.