The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a transition phase as their core stars are nearing the end of their careers. The 2025-26 season appears to be a showcase of sorts for the next Penguins stars, as well. Rookies Harrison Brunicke and Benjamin Kindel made the roster out of training camp. And they each have received their fair share of playing time.
Kindel’s spot on the roster was a bit of a surprise. He was the 11th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft and one of three first-round picks for the Penguins this year. Kindel is the only one of the first-rounders to make the NHL roster, however.
Brunicke, meanwhile, has also quickly risen through the ranks. He was a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He turned pro at the end of last season, skating in 10 AHL games after the Kamloops Blazers’ season came to an end.
Despite their quick rises to the NHL, Pittsburgh is trying to take things slow with their first foray in the league. This was seen on Tuesday night when Brunicke was benched for his team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Brunicke had scored his first career goal in his first three games. And overall, he has had a solid debut in the league. This move is not a punishment from Pittsburgh. Head coach Dan Muse said it’s all part of his development plan.
“We’re looking at what’s best for him and his development. It’s all part of a plan for them (Brunicke and Kindel) laid out by management and the coaching staff. They’re in a different position because of their age, and we want to put them in the best position to succeed,” he said, via the Penguins’ PR account on social media.
Harrison Brunicke Isn’t Being Singled Out
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesPittsburgh Penguins rookie Harrison Brunicke did not play in his team’s loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Brunicke sitting after a solid run of form early on is an intriguing choice. On one hand, it can keep him fresh for the season ahead. However, it could also take him out of his rhythm. There’s a balance the Penguins need to strike if Brunicke is going to stay in the NHL this season.
However, it’s important to note that he is not being singled out. It was his turn to be benched on Tuesday night. But Kindel could be held out of a game, too, if they feel he needs it.
“We’ll bring in the same thing could be said and will be said for Kindel. You know, these are young players. We’re looking at what’s best for them now, but also, for them to continue to grow throughout the course of the season,” said Muse, via Pittsburgh Hockey Now. “And so there will be times throughout the year–or throughout the start–where they’re coming out of the lineup and this is all part of a plan for them.”
Penguins Drop Ducks Contest With Brunicke Out
Whether Brunicke would’ve helped turn the tide on Tuesday night is a matter of debate. In saying this, Pittsburgh did not put its best foot forward against the Ducks in Anaheim. They dropped the contest by a score of 4-3.
Justin Brazeau continued his hot start to the season with his fourth goal of the season. Anthony Mantha also scored his first goal as a Penguin. However, Ducks star Chris Kreider scored twice, including the game-winner, to put Pittsburgh to the sword.
The Penguins are still finding their footing early on. And they hope to put this loss behind them as soon as they can. Pittsburgh takes the ice again on Thursday night as its West Coast road trip continues against the Los Angeles Kings.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Explains Benching Rookie Defender appeared first on Heavy Sports.