August 27, 2026 • 9:03 AM EDT
Updated 2 hours ago
This year’s Penguins Top 25 Under 25 list is almost done, and at No. 2 sits Harrison Brunicke, the young defender everyone in Pittsburgh is watching. Brunicke isn’t just a prospect – he’s the kind of player who forces his way into the NHL conversation, even if he’s only 20. His journey this past season was anything but typical.
To put it simply, Brunicke’s 2025–26 season had a bit of everything. Out of camp, he made the NHL roster as a teenager, which is a rare feat for defensemen, who usually need seasoning. He played nine games at the highest level, showing he belonged in the pros. But then came a period of being a healthy scratch, followed by an unusual “AHL conditioning stint” because he was too young to play full-time in the minors, per league rules. After that, he shifted to Team Canada for the World Juniors.
The World Juniors were a rough patch for Brunicke. The Canadians finished third, and Brunicke found his ice time slashed. His performance didn’t match the hype. That sent him back to the WHL, where the Penguins told him to focus on his weaknesses: things like defending the rush and tightening his gaps. This back-and-forth probably did more for his development than sticking in just one league could—he faced adversity, adjusted, and came back sharper.
According to Yahoo Sports, Brunicke’s zig-zag season didn’t end in juniors. As soon as his stint in Kamloops was over, he moved back up to the AHL for a playoff run with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he promptly established himself as a top-pair defender. When a player his age handles that kind of challenge—big minutes, power play, penalty kill—it screams NHL upside.
How Brunicke Shaped Up This Season
- Forced his way onto the NHL roster out of training camp at age 19
- Bounced between NHL, AHL, World Juniors, and WHL throughout the season
- Struggled at World Juniors but bounced back in juniors and AHL
- Finished with a stellar AHL playoff run at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
What’s Behind the Hype?
It’s clear why the franchise and fans are buzzing. There’s a real progression here: not just raw talent, but actual improvement in his weak spots. Early on, the Penguins’ development staff stayed in constant contact, giving him feedback he took to heart. Brunicke himself described it as a “unique” year where he focused on specifics. In his own words, “I bounced around a little bit. But going back to juniors, I was given things to work on by Kyle and Spez. Defending the rush, closing quicker, better gaps, stuff like that. Playing more minutes in juniors really helped me with that stuff. I just kept working on what the Penguins told me they wanted me to work on. And the communication was good and consistent the whole time. Early on, there was a ton of communication. They gave me stuff to work on and, honestly, that’s all I really have been focusing on,” Brunicke said to The Athletic in June.
The real payoff came during the AHL playoffs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s coach, Kirk MacDonald, didn’t hold back: “He defended really hard. His skating ability really stands out, but I think just how he competes. His puck decisions really improved since the previous year, and even when he was with us for a conditioning stint in November. He’s a horse for us. He was playing huge minutes in every situation. Top power-play unit. Killing penalties. Every situation late in games. It was just really cool to see the process. I’ve gotten to know him as a player, and what he brought to the table on a long playoff run was great to see.”
His teammates aren’t shy about what he brings, either. Wilkes-Barre forward Avery Hayes said, “No one in the league can skate the way he can. And no one in the league can do the things from the blue line that he can do. I’m just having fun watching this guy play right now. Unreal hockey player.”
The grit part? That’s coming along nicely. The coach pointed to his shot-blocking and defensive reliability in high-stakes games, calling out Brunicke’s impact on the penalty kill and in the corners. That’s more than just flash; that’s the kind of two-way play you’re desperate for in a future top-four defender.
Will Brunicke Stick with the Big Club?
So what’s next? You’d expect the Penguins to be patient, especially since they’re deep on the right side. Giving Brunicke real time at the AHL level instead of shuttling him around could do wonders. He’s earned a shot because of his progression—maybe not quite a “must-play” NHL guy yet, but he’s damn close.
Stability’s the secret sauce here. Instead of playing for three or four teams in a single year, getting a full pro season in one spot could unlock another level. Brunicke’s size, skating, and growing defensive confidence give him everything you want in a top-pair NHL defenseman. If he keeps trending up, the only question is when—not if—he becomes a full-time Penguin.
Key developments
- Brunicke’s stock rose from No. 3 to No. 2 on the Top 25 Under 25 list
- Played in multiple leagues: NHL, AHL, juniors, and the World Juniors
- Faced adversity and bounced back, addressing weaknesses
- Earned glowing praise from AHL coaches and teammates
- Penguins hoping to stabilize his development with more consistent playing time
Key takeaways
- Brunicke is Pittsburgh’s top defensive prospect for a reason—the tools and growth are undeniable
- Making the NHL roster as a teen signals trust from the organization
- AHL playoff success proves he can handle pressure and bigger minutes
- Consistent coaching feedback is fueling focused development
- Penguins likely to bring him along patiently, given depth at his position
- With more time to settle in, he could cement himself as a core future defender
- No glaring weaknesses left; only experience and polish needed
- Keep an eye on his transition this season—he could surprise and lock down a roster spot
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