Penguins Head Coach Explains Decision To Scratch Rookies

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a young team, but two rookies will be scratched every once in a while.

Defenseman Harrison Brunicke, 19, and 18-year-old forward Ben Kindel made the Penguins roster out of training camp. Although both could be sent back down to the Western Hockey League, the two are still on the roster.

However, when Pittsburgh played the Anaheim Ducks on the road on Tuesday, Brunicke and Kindel were both healthy scratches. Penguins head coach Dan Muse said that has been part of the plan for the young players to give them some time off and a chance to watch the game.

“We’re looking at what’s best for him and his development,” Muse said on Tuesday. “It’s all part of a plan for them (Brunicke and Kindel) laid out by management and the coaching staff. They’re in a different position because of their age, and we want to put them in the best position to succeed.”

Brunicke was selected in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He’s skated in three NHL games, recording one goal. Kindel, meanwhile, was selected 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he’s skated in four games, recording one goal.

Kindel and Brunicke are both expected to be back in the lineup when the Penguins take on the Los Angeles Kings on the road on Thursday.

Pittsburgh is off to a 2-2 start to begin the season.

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