Pittsburgh Penguins act fast, extend six-year contract to Bryan Rust a week after disqualification

Veteran forward Brian Rust He agreed to a six-year extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, in which they would keep one of their major suspended free agents.

Rust’s new deal is valued at $30.75 million, and runs through 2027-28. Her average annual value is $5.125 million. Rost, 30, had just completed a four-year deal with AAV worth $3.5 million.

“Brian embodies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” General Manager of the Penguins Ron Hextal He said in a statement. “Since he was drafted by Pittsburgh, he has developed into a versatile player and leader on our team, able to contribute in any situation. His leadership qualities and experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion is an important part of our team.”

Rust, who is the captain Sidney CrosbyHis core teammates, won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He just completed his eighth season with the team, and achieved a new career high with 58 points in 60 games, including 24 goals. He had eight points in seven playoffs during the Penguins’ first-round loss to the New York Rangers.

Rust was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round (ranked 80th overall) in the 2010 NHL Draft.

The forward was one of three crucial free-agent decisions looming for Pittsburgh this off season. defenseman Chris Letang and the center Yevgeny Malkin They are also unrestricted free agents.