Penguins' Star Bryan Rust Sustains Injury, Team Recalls Rafael Harvey Pinard
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without their top-line winger, Bryan Rust, for Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames at PPG Paints Arena. Rust's absence is due to a lower-body injury, and the team has announced that forward Kevin Hayes will take his place in the lineup.
Despite not revealing specific lineups, Coach Dan Muse hinted at the strategic move, indicating that Rust's spot beside Sidney Crosby will be filled by an unknown player, while Hayes will slot into the lineup in an undisclosed position.
In response to Rust's injury, the Penguins made a "precautionary" recall, bringing up scrappy winger Rafael Harvey Pinard from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Harvey-Pinard, who had a strong start in training camp, has since faded and been reassigned to the AHL. In 32 games this season, he has accumulated 13 points, including seven goals.
Harvey-Pinard, aged 27, brings valuable NHL experience, having played 84 games exclusively for the Montreal Canadiens. During his rookie season in 2022-23, he scored 14 goals in 34 games. This recall is a strategic move to ensure the team's depth and flexibility, especially with Rust's injury, and Harvey-Pinard's potential to contribute offensively.
