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NHL analyst explains next steps for the Penguins with Harrison Brunicke following World Juniors
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh
NHL analyst Jim Rixner outlined that after watching Harrison Brunicke's performance at the World Juniors, the Penguins need to assign him back to the WHL.
Harrison Brunicke's stint with Team Canada at the World Junior Championship is over. The Canadians claimed bronze with a win over Finland, following a surprising loss to Czechia on Sunday.
What Harrison Brunicke did at the World Juniors
Brunicke played in all seven games but registered just two assists and no goals. His role dwindled as the tournament progressed, and he was the fifth-most-used defenseman in the key game against the Czechs.
Expectations were high for the 19-year-old, who has pro experience, but he struggled to make an impact. Corey Pronman of The Athletic described his performance as "underwhelming" for an NHL-loaned player.
Part of the struggle comes from a lack of game action. Since November 3, Brunicke has only played five AHL games.
The Penguins' developmental plan limited his NHL appearances to nine games and included a short conditioning stint in Wilkes-Barre from November 26 to December 6. That left little room for him to enter the tournament fully prepared.
With the WHL season still ongoing, the Penguins have one clear option: return Brunicke to junior hockey, according to NHL analyst Jim Rixner.
"That only leaves one option: assigning Brunicke back to the WHL. The Penguins have been resistant to that to this point but enough data from his performance in the three venues (NHL, AHL, WJC) have come in to present a clear choice."
- Jim Rixner
- Jim Rixner
Why assigning Harrison Brunicke to the WHL would be the wise choice
Doing so now would prevent his entry-level NHL contract from starting and delay a year toward unrestricted free agency. It's a decision based on development, not punishment.
The past few months haven't been a breakout period for Brunicke, but that's not unusual for a young defenseman.
Growth rarely follows a straight line. Once his junior season ends, the plan would likely be for him to rejoin Wilkes-Barre, where he can continue developing and ideally contribute to a deep AHL playoff run.
The Penguins haven't confirmed the move yet, but the path is clear: Brunicke needs more time in a lower league to reach his potential before stepping back into the NHL.
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Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 105 ANSWERS NHL analyst explains next steps for the Penguins with Harrison Brunicke following World Juniors Should the Penguins assign Harrison Brunicke to the WHL? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 68.6 % |
| No | 33 | 31.4 % |
| List of polls | ||