The Pittsburgh Penguins are keeping one of their best players beyond the 2022-23 NHL season after reaching an extension agreement with forward Bryan Rust.

Via the Penguins' official Twitter account:

The Penguins have agreed to terms with forward Bryan Rust on a six-year, $30.75 million dollar contract extension. The deal begins in the 2022.23 season and runs through 2027.28 carrying an average annual value of $5.125 million.

Penguins general manager Ron Hextall lauded Rust in announcing the franchise's decision to reward the 30-year-old vet with a fresh contract.

“Bryan exemplifies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” said Hextall. “Since being drafted by Pittsburgh, he has developed into a versatile player and leader on our team, capable of contributing in any situation. His leadership qualities and experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion is an important piece of our team.”

This move on Rust comes at a time when rumors are swirling about the future of other long-time Penguins players Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, who are both about to hit free agency after this season. Malkin and Letang have their ages working against their chances to sign significant multi-year deals, with the former turning 36 in July and the latter having just celebrated his 35th birthday last April.

Rust played 60 games in the 2021-22 NHL regular season and finished fourth on the team in points (58), third in goals (24), and fourth in assists (34).