How Penguins Blue-Line Prospect Impressed Mike Sullivan

The Penguins had limited resources in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, but the value they got could pay off in the future.

Pittsburgh selected Harrison Brunicke in the second round and the blue-line prospect made an early impression in training camp. His standout play continued with an assist on a Rickard Rakell goal in the Penguins’ 2-1 preseason loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. The 18-year-old added three shots on goal and looked like the real deal the franchise hoped he could be.

“I thought he was terrific. He’s making an impact,” Mike Sullivan told reporters, per NHL.com’s James Baracia. “He’s so active in the rush. He’s active off the offensive blue line. He got a number of scoring chances. He was part of the goal. He’s defending hard. We’ve really liked his progress throughout the course of camp. I think his confidence is growing. I thought he had another terrific game for us.”

Brunicke’s preseason performance was a considerable jump from his time with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. Pittsburgh slowly has added youth to the lineup, and it’s hard not to get excited about Brunicke’s NHL potential.

“It’s a big jump. It’s a big jump,” Sullivan said. “Listen, we’re really excited about Harry right now and where he’s at, and the progress he’s made and his potential moving forward. We’re going to watch it throughout the course of camp and see where it goes. But for a young player and where he’s at, to go from where he is to the NHL is a major jump. So, that’s what makes this league the best league in the world. Playing that position, that’s arguably the most difficult position to play. So, like I said, we’re really excited about Harry’s progress and potentially the impact that he can make here. He’s certainly made an impression on all of us. Let’s just say that.”

The Penguins will play a home-and-home series against the Columbus Blue Jackets to close out preseason action, and it will be Brunicke’s opportunity to continue his ascension as a potential NHL contributor.