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Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system. This page will be updated throughout the 2024 NHL Draft.
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2024 draft grade: C
The Penguins didn’t pick until No. 44. I like their two second-round picks in Harrison Brunicke and Tanner Howe. Neither looks like an NHL lock by any means, but I can see them getting a fair number of NHL games.
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Draft Class
44. Harrison Brunicke, RHD, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
May 8, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 187 pounds
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Brunicke was solid on a bottom-feeding Kamloops team this season and played well for Canada’s U18 team to end his year. Brunicke is a toolsy defenseman. He’s 6 feet 3 inches, skates well and has a strong offensive skill level. On his best shift with the way he can rush up ice and activate off the blue line, he looks like a legit NHL prospect. Brunicke can make some tough plays, but he forces a lot of his decisions, doesn’t always see the ice well and is running around in his own end. He probably isn’t a big points type as a pro, but with his feet, length and a strong compete level if he’s just OK with the puck he can be a third-pair defenseman.
46. Tanner Howe, LW, Regina Pats (WHL)
November 28, 2005 | 5′ 10″ | 183 pounds
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Analysis: Howe put up huge numbers in the WHL in previous seasons playing alongside Connor Bedard, and the offense has remained even with Bedard’s NHL departure. I don’t think he is the flashiest or most creative player you’ll ever see, but Howe has legit NHL-level speed and skill. He can make and finish plays. His size is an issue, but his calling card is his fantastic compete level. He’s a tenacious player who throws his weight around constantly and plays the game with a high motor. He has the ingredients to play in the league as an undersized player and I think he could be a bottom-six wing.
111. Chase Pietila, RHD, Michigan Tech (NCAA)
March 3, 2004 | 6′ 1″ | 185 pounds
Analysis: Pietila was a top player for Michigan Tech as a 19-year-old freshman. He is a strong skater with a high compete level, leading to a lot of defensive stops. He is a hard-to-play-against type who coaches like to have on their team and has been part of winning teams of late. His puck play is just OK, though. He can rush pucks up with his feet but his instincts are below-average.
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175. Joona Väisänen, RHD, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
July 29, 2004 | 6′ 0″ | 176 pounds
Analysis: Väisänen was a top defenseman in the USHL in his third draft-eligible season and was a limited member for Finland’s world junior team. He is a strong skater whose feet give him a chance to be a solid pro. In the USHL, he showed strong hockey sense and ability to make plays with the puck. Whether that’s actually going to be his game as a pro is to be determined and the main question as Väisänen advances levels.
207. Mac Swanson, LW, Fargo Force (USHL)
January 10, 2006 | 5′ 7″ | 157 pounds
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Analysis: Swanson has been one of the best forwards in the USHL over the last two seasons and a leader on a top team over that time frame. He’s also been important for USA Hockey at various events. He’s an excellent playmaker. Swanson’s brain works very quickly and at a high level. He makes a lot of difficult plays in small areas and off the perimeter and can create offense with good tempo. He is very skilled and can create a lot of scoring chances. Swanson’s pure athleticism is what keeps him from being a legit top prospect. He is 5-7, and while he is quite evasive he lacks NHL footspeed, especially for a smaller player. I don’t think he seeks contact, but I do like Swanson’s compete. He gets to the interior and shows up every night. He will need to prove his game translates to higher levels.
223. Finn Harding, RHD, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
March 2, 2005 | 6′ 1″ | 201 pounds
Analysis: Harding skates well and makes a lot of stops in the OHL. His puck play is fine in junior, he can make a first pass, but scouts have questions on how he projects with the puck versus men.
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Beat writer’s analysis
The Penguins didn’t have a first-round pick, but they seemed quite pleased with their haul. They drafted three right-handed defensemen, a sensible strategy considering Kris Letang is 37 and Erik Karlsson is 34.
The Penguins love Mac Swanson, a seventh-round pick. He’s only 5-7 but is believed to be one of the draft’s best pure passers. In Tanner Howe and Harrison Brunicke, the Penguins hit two of their targets with their two second-round selections. A terrible prospect pool appears to have gotten better today. — Josh Yohe
(Photo of Harrison Brunicke: Dale Preston / Getty Images)
