Brunicke was drafted 44th overall by the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and has split time between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) in his first full professional season. The 19-year-old defenseman scored one goal in nine games with Pittsburgh and hopes to be a difference-maker for Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championships.
Connor Clifton will draw back into Pittsburgh's lineup on Thursday against the Washington Capitals, sending Brunicke to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 19-year-old Brunicke is averaging 15:43 time-on-ice and has one point (1G / 0A) through nine games in his first NHL season.
Owen Pickering will make his season debut for the Penguins on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, sending Brunicke to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 19-year-old Brunicke is playing in his first NHL season and has one point (1G / 0A) in seven games.
Brunicke was a healthy scratch in Pittsburgh's most recent game in an attempt to help him acclimate to the NHL, but he will be back in the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 19-year-old defenseman has one goal through three games.
Brunicke will take a seat on Tuesday by design as the Penguins are opting to limit the 19-year-old's workload early on in the season. Connor Clifton will draw into the lineup in his place.
Brunicke was a second-round pick (No.44 overall) in this summer's NHL Draft. The 18-year-old right-shot blueliner played for the Kamloops Blazers (WHL) during the 2024 season, scoring 10 goals with 11 assists (21 points) in 49 games.
