May 27, 2026

Harrison Brunicke (Penguins)

The Penguins have a surplus of prospects on their AHL team, some of whom have had more than a cup of coffee in the NHL. Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, and Ville Koivunen all look like key parts of the Penguins' forward group of the future.

What about the defense? Owen Pickering is the first player who comes to mind but he’s struggled to find a consistent role as the team develops him into a stay-at-home defenseman. Harrison Brunicke, meanwhile, has stepped up as the team’s best two-way defenseman with plenty of big plays at the point in this playoff run.

Brunicke is the defenseman the Penguins can build around. Eventually, they’ll need a Kris Letang or Erick Karlsson replacement, someone who handles the puck and makes plays at the blue line. Brunicke is that player.

With the Eastern Conference Final starting on Wednesday night and the Western Conference Final starting the following night, let's look at the prospects that are probably getting overlooked.

thehockeynews.com5 Under-The-Radar Prospects To Watch In The Calder Cup Conference FinalsWith the Eastern Conference Final starting on Wednesday night and the Western Conference Final starting the following night, let's look at the prospects that are probably getting overlooked.

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