A week after signing Tanner Howe, the Penguins have now agreed to terms with the top pick from their draft class last month. The team announced that they’ve signed defenseman Harrison Brunicke to a three-year, entry-level contract. The team did not disclose financial terms but PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that the deal will carry a cap hit of $875K and does not contain any performance bonuses.
[Related: 2024 NHL Draft Signing Tracker]
The 18-year-old was the 44th selection last month, going two spots ahead of Howe. Brunicke recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 49 games last season with WHL Kamloops, leading his team in goals scored by a blueliner. The South Africa native plays for Canada internationally and picked up a goal and three assists in seven games at the World Under-18s, helping his team to a gold medal.
As is often the case with players signing this quickly after being drafted, Brunicke won’t actually begin his entry-level contract next season unless he plays in ten or more games with Pittsburgh. That’s unlikely to be the outcome at this point as he’ll likely return to the Blazers for the 2024-25 campaign (and likely one more after that). Assuming that happens, Brunicke’s deal will slide and still have three years remaining on it next summer.