Earlier this week, Bryan Rust stated that he was hoping to return to Pittsburgh, but wanted a contract for what he was worth after three excellent seasons. Rust mentioned how his family was started in Pittsburgh and it “holds a special place in his heart” which in a way could be perfunctory and standard language for an impending free agent on the way out the door.

However, according to first Darren Dreger and also Frank Seravalli, it’s looking like Rust will fore go the chance to test the open market and instead extend his contract with the Penguins.