Why the Penguins Organization is Split on Harrison Brunicke's Future in Pittsburgh
Photo credit: DK Pittsburgh Sports
The debate rages on as to whether or not to keep Harrison Brunicke with the big club, and many reasons have caused a great divide between the two sides.
Harrison Brunicke has not had quite the seamless start to the season as fellow Penguins rookie Ben Kindel. He's struggling with growing pains that have seen him scratched in three of four recent games.
Those absences weren't part of some developmental plan; they reflected real struggles in his game as the Penguins approached a major decision point.
Brunicke reached his ninth game on Monday, which means the team has to make a decision on his immediate future: keep him in Pittsburgh and burn a year of his entry-level contract or send him back to junior hockey.
Sending him to the WHL might not challenge him enough. On the other hand, keeping him in the NHL offers him top-level coaching and potential world junior representation for Canada.
The problem is there's no middle ground; AHL time would be perfect for his development, but CHL eligibility rules get in the way of that option.
Of course, keeping him in Pittsburgh would serve to benefit his long-term growth, with much-needed NHL experience and exposure to high-level competition.
However, the numbers do say otherwise, especially on defense, and how he's paired with Owen Pickering.
Harrison Brunicke's defensive stats are very concerning, which could play a factor in his eventual demotion to the juniors
The Penguins have been outscored 4-0 in just 14 minutes of five-on-five play with that pairing, and his on-ice goals-against rate ranks among the worst on the team.
The Penguins must balance their surprising early-season competitiveness with the need to properly develop one of their top prospects.
Brunicke's long-term upside might justify keeping him in Pittsburgh, but the short-term results could push management toward a more cautious approach.
Kyle Dubas now faces a tough call that could shape both Brunicke's growth and the Penguins' future trajectory.
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