During the Pittsburgh Penguins run to the Stanley Cup in 2016, Rust became the eighth rookie in NHL history to score multiple goals in a Game 7, which came in the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. That was his second two-goal game of the playoffs; he also scored twice in the clinching Game 5 in the first round against the New York Rangers.

It seemed unlikely Rust would become a playoff hero on offense since he was known more as a defensive forward and a tenacious forechecker and penalty-killer.

After completing a two-year stint with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, Rust attended Notre Dame, starting as a true freshman in 2010-11 shortly after being selected by the Penguins in the third round (No. 80) of the 2010 NHL Draft.

At Notre Dame, Rust was a reliable two-way forward who finished his collegiate career with a plus-53 rating in 161 games and was plus-25 his junior season. As a senior, he served as an alternate captain and helped lead the Fighting Irish to the NCAA Tournament.

Rust played two games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League in 2013-14 and 45 games the following season before making his Penguins debut Dec. 13, 2014. Two nights later, he scored his first NHL goal in a 4-2 victory against the Lightning.

In helping the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2016, Rust scored six goals, including the first goal of the Final against the San Jose Sharks.

Rust scored 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 57 games in 2016-17 and had nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 23 playoff games to help the Penguins repeat as champions.