Bryan Rust

A slow start to the 2018-19 campaign -- one goal and six assists in 29 games -- likely had fantasy owners ready to give up on Rust. However, after getting back on track in mid-December, the energetic winger managed to hit the 35-point mark for a second consecutive season while setting a new career high in goals (18) in 72 contests. Unfortunately, a late-season injury forced the Michigan native to end the year on an 11-game goal drought, including four playoff contests. Much like teammate Patric Hornqvist, Rust's spot in the lineup should be considered fluid at best heading into the upcoming campaign, but he should get the opportunity to play in a top-six role from time-to-time. If he can avoid another early slump, Rust should be able to threaten the 40-point mark while posting double digit-goals for a third straight season in 2019-20.

From top to bottom, the Penguins organization loves everything Rust brings to the table, which is why it rewarded him with a four-year, $14 million contract during the offseason. The hardworking winger's speed and tenacity continues to translate into opportunities playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at different times. It's the ability to work from the first line to the fourth that makes the Michigan native so valuable to the team. Last season, Rust set a career high with 38 points, and he should be capable of challenging for the 40-point threshold again this year.

A broken arm limited Rust to just 57 outings last season, yet he still fashioned 15 goals and 13 assists -- both career highs. The winger’s forechecking expertise coupled with his knack for heading into the dirty areas in order to control the puck makes him a perfect player to line up with offensive stalwarts Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. There’s plenty of untapped potential here, but the manner in which coach Mike Sullivan divvies up the power-play minutes formerly occupied by Nick Bonino could go a long way toward determining whether you have “Rusty Gold” on your hands. Rust averaged a mere 12 seconds with the extra man last year, so keep expectations in check.

Rust is a bottom-six winger who provides energy and a few timely goals. The 24-year-old collected only four goals and 11 points in 41 regular-season tilts, but was nonetheless named the team’s rookie of the year. He capped his campaign with a big Stanley Cup run, potting six goals and nine points in 23 games, including the Game 7 winner against Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals. It might be unwise to count on Rust’s offense – he’s never averaged a point per-game at any level – but he figures to see regular shifts on Pittsburgh’s third line in 2016-17.