Penguins Coach Clarifies Reason Behind Benching Rookie Defenseman
The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering a transitional era, with their longtime core approaching the twilight of their careers. As the team looks to the future, the 2025-26 season is shaping up as an early audition for their next generation of stars. Among those earning a chance are rookies Harrison Brunicke and Benjamin Kindel, who both made the opening night roster and have seen consistent ice time.
Kindel, selected 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, surprised some by cracking the NHL lineup so quickly—especially as the only one of Pittsburgh’s three first-round picks to do so. Brunicke, taken in the second round of the 2024 draft, turned pro at the end of last season and played 10 AHL games after finishing his junior year with the Kamloops Blazers.
Despite their rapid ascent, the Penguins are taking a cautious approach to their development. That strategy was on display Tuesday night when Brunicke was a healthy scratch for the game against the Anaheim Ducks, despite scoring his first NHL goal in his initial three outings and putting in strong performances overall.
Head coach Dan Muse made it clear the decision wasn’t due to poor play but was part of a long-term developmental plan crafted by the coaching staff and front office.
“We’re focused on what’s best for his development,” Muse explained via the team’s PR account. “This is all part of a plan for both Harrison and Benjamin. Because of their age and experience, we’re making sure we set them up to succeed long-term.”
Brunicke’s Bench Time Part of Broader Plan
Brunicke’s benching raised eyebrows given his promising start, but the Penguins insist it’s a rotation strategy meant to manage the workload of young players. While it could risk disrupting his momentum, the organization sees it as a way to maintain his energy and aid his adjustment to the NHL grind.
Coach Muse emphasized that Brunicke isn’t being singled out and that Kindel may also sit in the future as part of the same development-focused approach.
“The same goes for Kindel,” Muse said, per Pittsburgh Hockey Now. “These are young players, and we’re thinking not only about what’s best for them right now, but how to support their growth over the full season. There will be times they come out of the lineup, and that’s all part of the plan.”
Penguins Fall to Ducks Without Brunicke
Whether Brunicke’s presence would have changed the outcome is unknown, but the Penguins didn’t perform at their best in his absence, falling 4-3 to the Ducks. Justin Brazeau stayed hot with his fourth goal of the year, and Anthony Mantha scored his first as a Penguin. Still, Anaheim’s Chris Kreider netted two goals—including the game-winner—to hand Pittsburgh the loss.
The Penguins are still working to find consistency early in the season. They’ll aim to bounce back quickly as their West Coast swing continues Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
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