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Penguins must trust Harrison Brunicke in the short-term to avoid wasting cap space
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Seth Rorabaugh reports Harrison Brunicke, Pittsburgh's 19-year-old 2024 second-round pick, still sees himself in the NHL.
That keeps the Penguins' blue-line plan alive.
Brunicke signed a three-year entry-level deal on July 18, 2024, with a $845,833 cap hit through 2027-28. There are no clauses muddying the picture.
That matters more than the quote itself. Cheap right-shot defense is how teams protect cap space and avoid deadline overpays for third-pair help.
Brunicke already gave Pittsburgh a real sample, nine NHL games, 1-0-1, 15:43 a night. He also posted four assists in five AHL games before returning to Kamloops.
The fit is simple on the ice. He closes space early, moves pucks fast, and keeps breakouts clean for a team that still wants speed through the neutral zone.
You can see the hesitation in the post below, then the honesty, he wants to be part of what Pittsburgh is building.
"You want to be there (Pittsburgh). You see the team having success now. I kind of wish I was a part of it.
"But stuff is going to happen. You've got to rebound and come back stronger."
- Harrison Brunicke
"But stuff is going to happen. You've got to rebound and come back stronger."
- Harrison Brunicke
That is not empty prospect talk. It sounds like a player who knows the opening is real if he can handle heavier minutes and harder forechecks.
Harrison Brunicke sharpens Pittsburgh Penguins roster math
Fans should read this as leverage for Kyle Dubas, not pressure to rush the kid.
If Brunicke is ready next fall, Pittsburgh can use summer cap space on a bigger need, another top-nine winger or more penalty-kill bite.
If he is not, Dubas still gets clarity. Then the blue line needs insulation, not a blockbuster, just a steady veteran for hard matchups.
That is the real story here. Brunicke's development does not just affect one roster spot, it shapes how aggressively Pittsburgh has to shop.
He was drafted in 2024, Round 2, No. 44 by Pittsburgh. For a 19-year-old defender, nine NHL games without looking lost is real progress.
The next milestone is simple, win camp, force a spot, and make the front office keep its futures instead of renting help.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 23|68 ANSWERS Penguins must trust Harrison Brunicke in the short-term to avoid wasting cap space Should the Penguins leave a real roster lane open for Harrison Brunicke next season? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 83.8 % |
| No | 11 | 16.2 % |
| List of polls | ||