Pittsburgh Penguins
Forward Bryan Rust is being evaluated for an upper-body injury he sustained in Saturday’s 3-1 preseason win against the Buffalo Sabres. Rust left early in the second period. “‘Rusty’s’ obviously a huge part of our group,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said on Sunday. “I thought he had a great camp, and so, it’s unfortunate.” … Muse said defenseman Ryan Graves is out indefinitely with issues in both knees. … Forward Blake Lizotte (upper-body injury) practiced on Sunday and was on the fourth line at center but remains day to day. Forwards Justin Brazeau and Ben Kindel each is week to week with a lower-body injury.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Nick Blankenburg signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs on Sunday. The 28-year-old defenseman had 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 61 games for the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche last season. He had three points (two goals, one assist) in 12 games and one goal in five playoff games after he was traded to the Avalanche on March 4. He has 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists) in 176 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Predators and Avalanche.