Jake Guentzel delivers surprising compliment to ex-teammate Bryan Rust following his impressive Penguins milestone

The name Jake Guentzel still carries weight in Pittsburgh, even as the franchise stares at an uncertain future. Now wearing a Tampa Bay Lightning sweater, Guentzel has moved on to a team chasing banners while the Penguins brace for hard choices ahead.

Yet his connection to Pittsburgh has not faded. As Bryan Rust quietly crossed a major scoring milestone, Guentzel made sure the moment did not pass unnoticed. Jake Guentzel Bryan Rust remains a pairing etched into Penguins history, built on trust, timing, and winning habits.Rust’s rise tells a broader story about players who do the work without demanding the spotlight. While headlines swirl around roster shakeups and long term plans, Rust continues to stack points and value.

Passing Guentzel for 11th place on the Penguins’ all time scoring list with 467 points was not just a number. It was proof of consistency, adaptability, and years of impact that often flew under the radar.

Jake Guentzel Bryan Rust praise highlights underrated excellence

Guentzel did not hesitate when asked about Rust’s achievement. His words carried the tone of a teammate who knows what excellence looks like up close."There's a guy that doesn't get as much credit as he deserves... I love Rusty.

I think he's an unbelievable player."

The compliment landed because it came from someone who shared locker rooms, playoff pressure, and championship expectations. Guentzel understands the grind Rust embraced, from defensive assignments to clutch scoring shifts.Rust has already put up 29 points with a balanced mix of goals and assists in this season. Guentzel, meanwhile, has found his rhythm in Tampa Bay, producing 38 points while adapting to a new system and higher expectations.

Both players are thriving in different contexts, shaped by similar habits.Guentzel’s own journey adds weight to his praise. Drafted 77th overall in 2013, he grew into a postseason force and helped Pittsburgh capture back to back Stanley Cups, including a breakout rookie run in 2017. After a brief stop in Carolina, his seven year commitment to Tampa Bay signaled a new chapter focused on chasing another title.In that light, Guentzel’s words feel less like nostalgia and more like respect. As Pittsburgh searches for its next identity, Rust stands as a reminder that some pillars are built quietly, yet hold everything together.Also Read: "It's no surprise": Dan Muse explains why Sidney Crosby’s latest milestone means more than just another Penguins record