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Kyle Dubas gives an update on Harrison Brunicke's NHL future after recent stretch of healthy scratches


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Tyler Ball
November 20, 2025  (9:08 PM)
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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke.
Photo credit: NHL.com

This evening, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas spoke to the media and gave an update on the team's plans for rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke.

The Pittsburgh Penguins started a youth movement this season and so far have seen mixed results.
Up front, Penguins 2025 first-round pick Ben Kindel has been playing incredibly well and is in consideration for the Calder Trophy.
However, the same cannot be said for defenseman Harrison Brunicke who has been a healthy scratch for the last five games.
Yesterday, head coach Dan Muse spoke to the media and gave a cryptic update on Brunicke's NHL future.
Tonight, GM Kyle Dubas has given another update on Brunicke's future providing a more clear plan for the young defenseman.

Kyle Dubas gives an updated plan for Harrison Brunicke's future

During a recent interview, Dubas was asked if the team has a plan for Brunicke's future.
He began by confirming that front office is in constant contact with Brunicke's agent and have a clear plan in place.
I think our view with Harrison - we've had continual direct conversation with him, his agent Darren Hermiston, they've been great - we always want him to know what the plan is and where we're going with it. I think this week here, we want to continue to have him work with the coaching staff, development staff, just with the lack of number of games.

Many analysts and fans have pointed out that Brunicke is eligible for a conditioning stint in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Dubas confirmed that the team is considering sending Brunicke for a conditioning stint but want to get the timing right to maximize the experience for the young defender.
If you get approved to do the conditioning stint, I don't think you want to burn through unnecessary days. In his case as well, part of our thinking is we want to see if we go down that path and use the conditioning stint with Wilkes-Barre. We'll make that decision probably after this weekend.

It seems that the plan at the moment is to send Brunicke to the AHL before loaning him to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships.
As this situation continues to develop we will pass along all of the latest details on Dubas' plan for Brunicke in the near future and beyond.
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Kyle Dubas gives an update on Harrison Brunicke's NHL future after recent stretch of healthy scratches

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