Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Dan Muse Explains Why Top Prospects Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel Made the Opening Night Roster
Tonight, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse explained what set Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel apart that allowed them to make the NHL roster.
Heading into training camp the Pittsburgh Penguins were expected to have a lot of competition for opening night roster spots between established veterans and up and coming prospects.
In past years, the Penguins would rely on veterans while relegating prospects to the AHL to play in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
This season that has changed as the Penguins decided to keep top prospects Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke on the opening night roster.
At the time these moves were announced this was still a shock as the Penguins not only kept the youngsters but parted ways with established veterans to do so.
Now, Penguins head coach Dan Muse has explained the thought process behind the organization's choice.
Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse Explains Why Now Was The Right Time For A Youth Movement
During a recent press conference, Muse admitted that heading into training camp his staff was looking for specific things out of each player to earn a roster spot.
When it came to Brunicke and Kindel both players consistently and reliably checked the boxes to accomplish what was needed of them.
Heading into training camp, Brunicke was expected to fight for a roster spot with the Penguins but was not considered a lock to make the opening night lineup.
Kindel was even less likely to be an immediate contributor after recently being drafted in the first-round.
Many hoped to see flashes of skill from the young forward but he has blown every single expectation out of the water so far.
Now, both Kindel and Brunicke will have to work to continue proving they belong in the NHL and continue showing the Penguins fans and the rest of the NHL what Dan Muse and Kyle Dubas have seen all preseason long.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 4 | 77 ANSWERS Dan Muse Explains Why Top Prospects Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel Made the Opening Night Roster Which player will be better for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season? | ||
| Harrison Brunicke | 56 | 72.7 % |
| Ben Kindel | 21 | 27.3 % |
| List of polls | ||