Brunicke will be loaned to Team Canada for the 2026 World Junior Championship, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.
Brunicke will take part in the World Juniors, which will likely keep him away from the Penguins through early January. The 19-year-old Brunicke hasn't played in an NHL game since Nov. 3 versus the Maple Leafs, though he did suit up in five minor-league games for AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton while on a conditioning assignment.
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Penguins' Harrison Brunicke: Reassigned for conditioning
Rotowire
Brunicke was sent down to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan Monday.
Brunicke has been a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh's last seven games, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him going out on a conditioning assignment. General manager Kyle Dubas is evidently still pondering whether to keep the young blueliner in the NHL or return him to juniors. Brunicke is right on the cusp of the Penguins needing to make a call, having played in nine games already -- with one more NHL appearance, Pittsburgh will burn the first year of his entry-level deal.
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Penguins' Harrison Brunicke: Joining minor-league club
Rotowire
Brunicke was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday.
Brunicke is coming off a fantastic junior campaign with WHL Kamloops, having generated five goals and 25 helpers in 41 appearances. Selected by the Penguins with the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old defenseman could challenge for a spot on the Penguins' Opening Night roster heading into next year.
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Penguins' Harrison Brunicke: Impressing in juniors
Rotowire
Brunicke has managed 19 points in 23 games with WHL Kamloops this season.
Brunicke was in the mix for a spot on the Penguins' roster coming out of training camp but was sent back to juniors to continue his development. The 18-year-old blueliner needs just two more points to match his total from last season (21) and has achieved those numbers in less than half as many contests. While far from a lock, Brunicke could be in contention for a roster spot heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
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Penguins' Harrison Brunicke: Sent back to juniors
Rotowire
Brunicke was reassigned to WHL Kamloops on Monday.
Brunicke received praise from team brass throughout the preseason, which led to speculation that he might make the Opening Night roster. Instead, the 18-year-old blueliner will be given another year in the WHL to further his long-term development. Once his junior campaign wraps up, Brunicke could be a late-season addition to the Penguins' roster.
