Inside the Penguins: Frustration Over Rust Suspension, Malkin’s Injury, and What’s Next at the Deadline
Quiet doesn’t mean content in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins may not be the loudest organization in the NHL - ownership rarely speaks, Kyle Dubas keeps things buttoned up, and head coach Dan Muse is as even-keeled as they come - but make no mistake: there’s real frustration simmering behind the scenes after Bryan Rust’s three-game suspension.
Let’s break it down.
Penguins Frustrated by Rust Suspension
Rust’s hit on Vancouver’s Brock Boeser was always going to draw some attention. It involved head contact, and in today’s NHL, that’s going to be reviewed.
The Penguins weren’t shocked that Rust got suspended - internally, most felt a one- or two-game ban would’ve made sense. But three games?
That’s where the frustration starts.
The issue isn’t the suspension itself, it’s the inconsistency. Rust has played 685 NHL games over 12 seasons without a single fine or suspension.
He’s known as a high-motor, honest player - competitive, sure, but not dirty. Even someone from the Canucks organization reportedly said they were “absolutely stunned” by the length of the suspension.
Then came the Tom Wilson decision. Or rather, the non-decision.
Wilson delivered a headshot to Carolina’s Logan Stankoven on Saturday night - a hit that looked worse than Rust’s in the eyes of many around the Penguins. But Wilson didn’t even get a hearing from the Department of Player Safety.
No suspension. No fine.
Nothing.
The Penguins have a long memory when it comes to Wilson, and while that history adds some emotional weight, the core of their argument is about fairness. If Wilson’s size advantage - he’s 6-foot-4 compared to Stankoven’s 5-foot-8 - is a factor in the league’s decision-making, that’s a dangerous precedent. Pittsburgh doesn’t buy that explanation, and they don’t think Rust should’ve been the example.
Even Muse, who rarely shows his cards, publicly acknowledged the team’s displeasure. And from what we’re hearing, that was the calm version of how folks inside the organization really feel.
Ben Kindel Turning Heads
There’s a buzz around 18-year-old Ben Kindel, and it’s not just coming from fans. When Mike Sullivan - now out of Pittsburgh but still respected for his two Stanley Cups - was asked about Kindel after Saturday’s game, his face lit up.
“He’s very good,” Sullivan said with a grin.
That’s not nothing. Sullivan wasn’t known for handing out praise to young players unless it was earned. And Kindel, who’s been showing flashes of high-end skill and poise beyond his years, is earning it.
The Penguins haven’t had much in the way of young, NHL-ready talent in recent years - a byproduct of years spent chasing Cups and trading away top picks. But Kindel looks like a player who could break that trend.
Fleury Still Skating, But Retirement Looks Real
Marc-André Fleury was back in Pittsburgh this weekend, part of the celebration honoring the 2016 Stanley Cup team. He even got a skate in recently up in Minnesota.
“I like to get a sweat every now and then,” Fleury joked.
He’s still got that trademark smile and energy, and yes, he misses the game. But despite the occasional workout or preseason cameo, don’t expect a comeback. Everyone close to Fleury - including Fleury himself - seems to agree: he’s content in retirement.
And after a career that included three Cups, a Vezina Trophy, and a legacy as one of the most beloved players in Penguins history, who could blame him?
Malkin Gutting It Out Through Shoulder Injury
Evgeni Malkin’s left shoulder is clearly bothering him. You could see it Saturday - flexing his arm repeatedly during stoppages, trying to shake off the discomfort.
He’s going to push through the next three games before the Olympic break, knowing that he’ll get some much-needed rest with Russia not competing in the Games. But make no mistake: he’s playing through pain.
At 37, Malkin’s still a warrior. But the Penguins will be holding their breath that he makes it to the break without aggravating the issue further.
Right-Side Defense Depth Tested
The Penguins are in a bind on the right side of their blue line - and the NHL trade deadline is creeping closer.
Kris Letang’s fractured foot will keep him out for at least four weeks, possibly longer. Jack St.
Ivany is out for nearly the rest of the regular season with a broken hand. Harrison Brunicke is still in junior hockey.
And while Erik Karlsson is healthy, he’s heading to the Olympics with Team Sweden - a tournament that’s always a risk for injuries.
That leaves Connor Clifton, who’s played well in a bottom-pairing role, but the depth chart is razor-thin. The Penguins weren’t thrilled with what they saw from Matt Dumba earlier this season, and there’s not much help coming from Wilkes-Barre.
So keep an eye on the trade market for right-shot defensemen. The Penguins may not be buyers in the traditional sense, but they’re definitely looking to shore up that side of the ice.
Dubas Walking the Line Between Present and Future
Kyle Dubas inherited a tricky situation - a core that’s aging, a prospect pool that’s been thinned out, and a fan base that still expects to win.
So far, he’s threading the needle. One team source put it bluntly: Dubas is doing what Ron Hextall couldn’t - improving the team in the short term without sacrificing the long-term future.
That’s not easy. But the early returns have been promising, and there’s a real sense of momentum building inside the organization.
Dubas isn’t expected to go all-in at the deadline, but he’s not standing pat either. If there’s a move that helps the Penguins now and later, he’ll make it.
Ryan Shea Earning a Future in Pittsburgh
Ryan Shea might not be a household name, but he’s quietly become one of the Penguins’ most reliable defensemen - and leads the team in plus/minus at plus-22.
More importantly, he’s earned the trust of the locker room and the front office. The Penguins love his steady play, his attitude, and the way he fits into the team culture.
He’s set to become a free agent on July 1, but don’t expect it to get that far. The Penguins want to keep him, and all signs point to a new deal getting done.
The Penguins aren’t making a lot of noise publicly, but there’s plenty going on behind the scenes - from frustration with league decisions to critical injury management, and from trade deadline planning to long-term roster building. Dubas is steering the ship with a steady hand, and while this season has had its bumps, there’s a sense that Pittsburgh is finding its identity again - one piece at a time.