Are Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel Staying in the NHL? Insider Reveals What He's Hearing
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NHL insider Josh Yohe has provided some details as to what the future holds for two of the Penguins' top prospects this season: Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel.
The Pittsburgh Penguins may be getting younger than expected, sooner than anybody thought.
Despite having one of the NHL's oldest rosters, two teen sensations, defenseman Harrison Brunicke (age 19) and winger Ben Kindel (age 18), have already made strong cases to stick in Pittsburgh for the rest of the season.
Both have played in five of the Penguins' initial six games, and the team needs to make a decision before the nine-game mark whether to return players to junior or burn a year off their entry-level contract.
According to NHL insider Josh Yohe, team sources suggest there's mounting pressure from within the organization for both to stick with the big club.
"Team sources have told me in recent days that there is a real possibility that both teenagers will remain with the Penguins all season. It's not set in stone yet, but several people in the organization are pushing general manager Kyle Dubas and coach Dan Muse to let the youngsters remain in Pittsburgh."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
There are some in the organization prodding general manager Kyle Dubas and head coach Dan Muse to keep the kids in Pittsburgh.
Brunicke, specifically, has impressed. Sources close to the team suggest that it would be surprising if he were sent back to junior since he's already been one of the Penguins' most consistent defensemen.
A pending Erik Karlsson trade in the coming months may further open the door for Harrison Brunicke
With the blue line in transition on the club and the potential for an Erik Karlsson trade by the March 6 deadline, there is no lack of ice time for the rookie.
There are individuals in the organization who envision All-Star potential for Brunicke, appreciating both his poise and his rapid adjustment.
Kindel's emergence has been more unexpected. The Penguins did not anticipate that he would break camp, much less be one of their most productive forwards through the first two weeks.
While age and physical maturity were concerns at first, his performance has warranted an honest opportunity. Staying under Muse's tutelage and with veterans such as Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, this could further improve his development.
Dubas will make the final call, but the internal pressure to retain both teens in Pittsburgh is intense. For a franchise looking for a spark, the kids may already be providing it.
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