There are some exciting developments down on the farm for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With more talent in the system than they’ve had in recent memory, the Penguins have several prospects of interest to keep an eye on. Today, we will take a look at how some of the organization’s top defensive prospects are faring this season.
Harrison Brunicke
If there is one defensive prospect that has piqued the interest of pretty much everyone, it’s Harrison Brunicke.
The Johannesburg, South African-born Brunicke, 18, was drafted 44th overall by the Penguins in 2024. Of all of the Penguins’ prospects in training camp this season, he was the one who turned the most heads, as he looked far more advanced than anyone had expected.
He had already been known for his defensive awareness. But his speed, skating, vision, and offensive instincts were also on display during training camp, showcasing his all-around game. Brunicke didn’t look out of place at all in pre-season action, either.
In fact, his pre-season nearly led to a nine-game trial at the beginning of the regular season, with head coach Mike Sullivan saying Brunicke “made an impression on everybody.” Unfortunately – given the Penguins’ logjam of forwards and their forward injury situation to start the season – Brunicke was reassigned to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL, where he must spend the remainder of their season.
It started off well for Brunicke, as he registered three goals and 12 points in 15 games. However, on Nov. 11, Brunicke sustained a fracture to his wrist, and he has been out ever since. The injury forced him to pass on Team Canada’s invite to their World Junior Championship camp, as he was not medically cleared to participate.
He is expected to make a return to the lineup soon for the Blazers, whose regular season runs through Mar. 22. At 15-21-3 and sitting 10th out of 11 teams in the WHL’s Western Conference, the playoffs are certainly not looking like a sure thing for Kamloops this season.
If everything goes well health-wise and performance-wise upon his return, Brunicke would be eligible to get a recall to the NHL once the Blazers’ season concludes. It’s unlikely, but stranger things have happened. The organization is certainly very high on this guy – and the Penguins are in short supply of right-shot defensemen.
Emil Pieniniemi
Perhaps one of the Penguins’ most intriguing prospects is Emil Pieniniemi, who was drafted by the Penguins in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Fresh off of a silver-medal effort…