Penguins Place Rust and Kindel on Injured Reserve
The team recalled Rutger McGroarty and Chase Pietila from the AHL to fill the open roster spots.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forwards Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel on injured reserve. Rust is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to an undisclosed injury, while Kindel was placed on the list following a bout of vasovagal.
Why it matters
The loss of Rust creates a significant void in the lineup, as he has averaged 17:22 of ice time per game this season. The team is looking to mitigate this impact by bringing up fresh talent from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Bryan Rust recorded three goals and two assists in his seven appearances this season. Chase Pietila, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, joins the roster as part of the team's effort to address the recent injury setbacks.
The players
Bryan Rust
A veteran forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has contributed five points in seven games this season.
Ben Kindel
A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins currently sidelined due to medical issues.
Rutger McGroarty
A forward recalled from the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Chase Pietila
A 2024 fourth-round draft pick who has been recalled to the NHL roster.
Hendrix Lapierre
A forward who may see increased playing time after being a healthy scratch for four consecutive games.
The details
The Penguins utilized several new line combinations during Thursday's morning skate to adjust for the roster moves. While Rust and Kindel remain sidelined, forward Hendrix Lapierre returns to potential contention after being a healthy scratch for the previous four games.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Rutger McGroarty was assigned to the AHL.
October 20, 2026: Ben Kindel was placed on injured reserve.
October 22, 2026: Bryan Rust was placed on injured reserve.
Season Trajectory
The promotion of draft picks like Chase Pietila follows a pattern set by the 2024 NHL draft selection process as teams prioritize developing internal talent. These adjustments impact the team's depth and competitive balance as they navigate the early portion of the schedule.
Fantasy managers should note that Rust's six-week recovery timeline removes him from immediate lineup consideration. With Rust out, look for specific forward rotation changes during the next game to see which players benefit from his vacant ice time.
The takeaway
Injuries to key players early in the season force teams to test the depth of their minor league talent. Fans should monitor how newer acquisitions adapt to NHL-level speed and responsibilities during this transition period.
Further reading
Find more updates and roster analysis on the Pittsburgh Hockey page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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