Penguins Sign First Pick From 2024 NHL Draft To Three-Year Deal

Focusing on the future has been important for the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason.

While working toward an extension for Sidney Crosby has been the most important part of Pittsburgh’s offseason thus far, they still have to look forward. Part of that has been signing their picks from the 2024 NHL Draft.

Pittsburgh signed 46th overall pick Tanner Howe to a three-year, entry-level contract back on July 11, as announced by president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. They now officially have signed their first pick of the draft. With no first-round pick in this year’s draft after moving it in the Erik Karlsson trade last offseason, the Penguins’ first pick didn’t come until the second round.

The Penguins announced that they have signed Harrison Brunicke to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 6-foot-4 defenseman was selected with the No. 44 pick. Brunicke adds good size to the Penguins, coming off a strong season with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The 18-year-old recorded 10 goals, 11 assists, and 21 points in 49 games last season.

Brunicke had a strong performance in the World Juniors Under-18 Championship while playing for the gold-winning Team Canada, potting a goal and three assists in seven games.

The future is coming together for the Penguins with Brunicke now officially a part of it.

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