Analyst: Penguins Top Prospect Harrison Brunicke May Challenge Two Longtime NHLers for Roster Spot

With training camp just a month off, the Pittsburgh Penguins' blue line will be under the microscope. While most of the attention is directed at the left, the right might be just as intriguing after a series of offseason transactions.

The elephant in the room, however, is Erik Karlsson. Trade rumors or not, as of Aug. 17, he remains a Penguin. Behind him and Kris Letang, the fight for a spot on the roster may be fierce.

Connor Clifton showed up to the team on June 28 at the NHL Draft, having been traded over from Buffalo for Conor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau, along with the No. 39 pick.

Connor Clifton, who had a tough year with the Sabres, admitted that he "lost himself" but is revitalized by a new beginning. The 29-year-old spent five years in Boston before two years in Buffalo and has a year remaining on his contract.

Matt Dumba reported to Pittsburgh on July 10 in a trade from Dallas that also included a second-round pick in 2028.

Cap-strapped, the Stars shipped him out after a disappointing season where Matt Dumba was scratched through the playoffs and played only 63 games in the regular season, scoring just 11 points. Like Clifton, he's in the final year of his contract and seeking a bounce-back.

One of the wild cards, per NHL analyst Hunter Hodies of 'The Hockey News', is 19-year-old Harrison Brunicke, who nearly worked himself onto the roster last fall before heading back to the WHL. The Penguins valued his development, but his quality play left an impression.

With a talent-rich right side, Harrison Brunicke has a fight to get in, but his case is similar to John Marino's surprise emergence in 2019.

The Penguins may have options, but September will be the test of whether youth can supplant veterans.