Penguins Activate Bryan Rust; Demote Two

After his reaction Tuesday morning, it should not be surprising the Pittsburgh Penguins activated Bryan Rust from the long-term injured list Tuesday afternoon.

The team demoted forward Vinnie Hinostroza and defenseman Ryan Shea to trim their roster to 22 players and balance the salary cap.

Rust hasn’t played since Dec. 6, when he left the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This season, the winger has 20 points, including 10 goals in 22 games. He’s also a plus-13.

Hinostroza has played 14 NHL games this season with three points (1-2-3). He’s averaged 9:45 of ice time.

UPDATE: The Penguins also placed Matt Nieto on LTIR.

Rust is expected to be in the Penguins’ lineup when they face the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena. He was a full participant in practice on Friday and again at the Penguins’ morning skate on Tuesday. Rust worked with Evgeni Malkin on the Penguins’ second line and the second power-play unit.