The Hockey News' main site revealed players 21 to 40 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-21-to-40] for their latest top 100 NHL-affiliated prospect rankings. A Pittsburgh Penguins prospect had made the cut this time around, as defenseman Harrison Brunicke was given the No. 26 spot. Seeing Brunicke make THN's rankings is not difficult to understand, as he has plenty of upside. The 19-year-old defenseman had a strong 2025-26 regular season with the Kamloops Blazers, as he recorded two goals, 22 assists, and 24 points in 24 games. This was after he had five goals and 30 points in 41 games with Kamloops back in 2024-25. Brunicke also played in his first nine career NHL games this season with Pittsburgh, where he had one goal and six penalty minutes. He also had four assists in five games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season. With all of this, there is no question that Brunicke has shown plenty of promise this season. The young defenseman has the tools to become a big part of the Penguins' roster in the near future. It will now be interesting to see how Brunicke continues to build on his game. The Penguins could have found something special in the 2024 second-round pick.
