Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke will likely play more hockey through December and do so for his country.
Brunicke, 19, will join Team Canada training camp in Niagara Falls for the 2026 World Junior Championships. In total, Canada has invited 27 players to camp.
The Penguins’ prospect has played nine NHL games this season, notching one goal. The Penguins organization has taken great pains to keep Brunicke in the NHL organization, rather than returning him to the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL.
The team recalled Brunicke from his 14-day conditioning assignment with the WBS Penguins Sunday.
Should Brunicke play one more NHL game, his entry-level contract would begin. The Penguins have until Game 40, which is Jan. 3, to make a final determination on Brunicke’s address for the remainder of the season. Unless the Penguins return Brunicke to Kamloops by then, he will remain with the organization all season.
However, Brunicke cannot play in the AHL because 19-year-olds are prohibited from playing in the AHL per the CHL transfer agreement with the NHL. Next year, each NHL team will be allowed to assign up to one 19-year-old to the AHL.
Team Canada begins exhibition play on Dec. 17, and the tournament concludes on Jan. 5 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, MN.
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