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Bryan Rust Praises Penguins' Latest Coaching Hire Nick Bonino
Photo credit: The Sporting News
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust, who is still with the team despite trade rumours, approves of the hiring of former teammate Nick Bonino as assistant coach.
After missing the playoffs for the last 3 years in a row, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas decided a change in leadership was necessary behind the bench.
He dismissed Mike Sullivan after nearly 10 years on the job, which included consecutive Stanley Cups. In his place, Dubas hired former New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse.
Ironically, Sullivan was soon hired by the Rangers as their head coach after they dismissed Peter Laviolette. Additionally, Dubas hired former Penguins forward Nick Bonino, who was part of those Cup-winning teams, as an assistant on Muse's staff.
Penguins forward Bryan Rust, Bonino's teammate during that championship run, believes Dubas madę the right hire.
He just thought the game so well (as a player)... and now him in a coaching capacity, he has that knowledge plus the charisma and that presence about him to command a room, and guys listen to him.
-Bryan Rust
-Bryan Rust
Bonino himself said that he was excited to come back to the organization.
Amazing city. Great organization. I will always be welcomed back there, they said. So, I would love to go back and visit. I can't thank them enough. It was really fun to finish my career like that, even though I didn't know it was finishing.
-Nick Bonino
-Nick Bonino
Bryan Rust remains with the Penguins despite multiple trade rumours
The Penguins were embroiled in multiple trade rumours over the summer, which included Rust, Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson.
But despite efforts by Dubas to find a trading partner for all 3, they are still with the team as training camp has finished and the preseason schedule is set to begin.
Right now, the Penguins look like they'll be starting the year with Rust, who reached a new career-best in goals last year, along with Rakell and Karlsson.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 44 ANSWERS Bryan Rust Praises Penguins' Latest Coaching Hire Nick Bonino Will Bryan Rust remain with the Penguins this season? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 77.3 % |
| No | 10 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||