Can (and Will) Harrison Brunicke Earn a Spot with the Penguins?

Hello all. With the help of Mr. Peabody, Sherman and Other Rick, I’ve emerged from the WABAC machine with a pressing question about our present-day Penguins.

Specifically, will kid defenseman Harrison Brunicke make the team?

There are plenty of reasons to think he might.

For one, the promising 6’3”, 202-pounder nearly made the cut as an 18-year-old last season. Returned instead to his junior team, the Kamloops Blazers, the smooth-skating rearguard continued to hone the skills that may ultimately make him a steal as a 44^th overall pick.

No, his boxcars weren’t brilliant, a fairly modest five goals and 30 points in 41 games for a weak Blazers squad. However, Brunicke’s maturity and overall play earned him a late-season promotion to the Baby Pens.

After taking a few games to get acclimated to the speed and caliber of play in the AHL, Brunicke adapted, lugging the puck less while moving the biscuit smartly and efficiently to his teammates. By the time the Calder Cup playoffs rolled around, he’d emerged as arguably the Baby Pens’ best defenseman, collecting a goal and an assist in two postseason contests.

Although his skating and skills are most evident, the Johannesburg native is more than a one-trick pony. On the contrary, he pays equal attention to his defensive chores and competes hard, even if it means getting his nose dirty.

In short, he’s an all-arounder with offensive pedigree, something our Pens so desperately need.

The problem?

It isn’t so much whether or not Harry’s good enough to make the team. He is. It’s more a matter of where (or if) he fits given our current roster mix. Barring any changes, we’re four-deep on his natural (right) side. Veterans Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba, to say nothing of comparative youngster Jack St. Ivany, form a considerable log-jam to leap frog.

According to scuttlebutt, POHO/GM Kyle Dubas had fully intended to deal Karlsson this summer, which in turn would’ve opened up a slot for Harry. But EK65’s still here. At least for now, a trade involving the mercurial Swede doesn’t appear imminent.

Jim Rixner (aka Hooks Orpik), who posted an excellent article about Brunicke on Pensburgh in his prospect countdown, suggested the Pens try something radical, like shifting Letang to his off (left) side next to Karlsson. Following a season that saw Tanger’s skills erode at alarming rate, I’m not sure if the 38-year-old, black-and-gold icon would be up to the task.

Unfortunately, the options for Brunicke are limited. The Pens have a nine-game window to afford Harry a look if they elect to do so, something I think they’ll surely do. After that, they’d have to make a decision. Keep the kid for the entire season (and start the clock on his entry-level contract) or return him to Kamloops. He wouldn’t be eligible to rejoin the Baby Pens until the Blazers’ season ended.

One thing is certain. Whether Brunicke makes the team out of camp or not, he’s the one truly bright light among our defensive prospects. One with star potential.