Career Timeline of Bryan Rust: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bryan Rust made an impact.

Bryan Rust is a professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. A key player for the team, he contributed to their Stanley Cup victories in both 2016 and 2017. Apart from Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, Rust is the team's fourth longest tenured player. His consistent performance has cemented his role within the Penguins organization.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2005, Bryan Rust played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as a youth with the Detroit Honeybaked minor ice hockey team.

2006: First Penguins pair to score their first NHL goal

On December 15, 2014 Rust and Brian Dumoulin became the first Penguins pair to score their first NHL goal on the same night since 2006.

March 2008: Tried out for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program

In March 2008, at the age of 16, Bryan Rust tried out for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP), but was initially rejected.

2009: Stanley Cup Win

Bryan Rust and the Penguins win their first Stanley Cup since 2009.

October 8, 2010: Collegiate Debut

On October 8, 2010, Bryan Rust made his collegiate debut with the Fighting Irish against the Holy Cross Crusaders.

2010: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2010, Bryan Rust was drafted in the third round, 80th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft before starting his freshman season at Notre Dame.

2011: Invited to Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp

Before the start of the 2011-12 season, Bryan Rust was invited to tryout for Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp.

2011: Qualified for the Frozen Four

In 2011, Bryan Rust helped the Fighting Irish qualify for the 2011 Frozen Four, finishing the regular season with 19 points.

2013: Named alternate captain

Before the start of the 2013–14 season, Bryan Rust was named an alternate captain with T. J. Tynan and Stephen Johns for Notre Dame due to the realignment of NCAA conferences and Notre Dame playing in the Hockey East conference.

April 1, 2014: Signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins

On April 1, 2014, Bryan Rust officially concluded his collegiate career after signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was then assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS Penguins).

December 15, 2014: First NHL goal

On December 15, 2014, Bryan Rust scored his first NHL goal against Evgeni Nabokov of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2014: Played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish until 2014

From 2010 to 2014, Bryan Rust played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's ice hockey team while enrolled in their Mendoza College of Business. He completed his time there in 2014.

January 14, 2015: Returned to the AHL

On January 14, 2015, Bryan Rust was returned to the AHL after playing 14 games with the Penguins.

2015: First player recalled to NHL level

In 2015, Bryan Rust was assigned to the WBS Penguins to start the season, but he became the first player on the team to be recalled to the NHL level.

October 12, 2016: Returned to team practice

On October 12, 2016, after recovering from an injury caused from the Stanley Cup win, Bryan Rust returned to the Penguins team practice.

December 5, 2016: First career hat-trick

On December 5, 2016, Bryan Rust recorded his first career hat-trick in an 8–5 win over the Ottawa Senators.

2016: Stanley Cup Playoffs and Win

In 2016, Bryan Rust scored two goals in Game Five against the New York Rangers to help the Penguins advance to the Eastern Conference Second Round and eventually win the Stanley Cup in Game 6 against the San Jose Sharks.