Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas announced the signing of Harrison Brunicke to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Brunicke, picked 44th overall by the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas, hails from Johannesburg, South Africa, and is a rare and highly sought-after right-handed defenseman. The 18-year-old played for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 2023-24 season, achieving a career-high 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 49 games. Over two seasons with the Blazers, he has amassed 29 points. While known primarily for his defensive skills, many believe Brunicke has untapped offensive potential.
On the international stage, Brunicke represented Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Junior Championship, recording one goal and three assists in seven games, along with an impressive plus-11 rating for his defensive play.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Brunicke is known for his hard checking, ability to control play around his net, and ending cycles with stick checks or hits. He effectively shuts down opponents off the rush and makes smart decisions with the puck, showcasing his skill in making crisp breakout passes.
Steven Ellis, a prospect analyst for Daily Faceoff, noted the significant interest in Brunicke from teams seeking a versatile, big, right-handed defenseman. Ellis praised Brunicke’s intelligence with the puck and suggested his offensive capabilities are greater than his statistics indicate. He highlighted Brunicke’s size, projectable traits, and offensive potential as reasons for his appeal, bolstered by his performance at the U-18s.
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