LAS VEGAS – Penguins’ Draft Focus Shifts Dramatically to Right-Handed Defense Amid Prospect Pool Challenges

Entering the draft in Las Vegas, the Penguins faced a glaring deficiency in right-handed defense prospects. Apart from Jack St. Ivany, who was already beyond the prospect stage, the team lacked any right-handed defensemen in their system – from the AHL to junior leagues in North America and Europe.

When asked about addressing positional needs, Penguins management initially emphasized selecting the best available talent. However, over the course of Day 2, the Penguins executed a strategic pivot, targeting and successfully acquiring four promising right-handed defense prospects, alongside additional forwards.

“We discuss our needs and preferences extensively,” explained Penguins director of amateur scouting Nick Pryor. “Our draft board dictated the choices, and the availability of skilled right-shot defensemen aligned well with our goals.”

Here’s a breakdown of the Penguins’ 2024 draft class, featuring insights from Pryor on each player:

**SECOND ROUND, No. 44 – Harrison Brunicke**
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Team: Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Pryor’s take: “He moves well, has a strong puck game, and brings physicality. His size and skill set made him very appealing to us.”

**SECOND ROUND, No. 46 – Tanner Howe**
Position: Center/Wing
Shoots: Left
Team: Regina Pats (WHL)
Pryor’s take: “Despite being undersized, he’s a high-compete player with offensive skills. We’re excited about his potential.”

**FOURTH ROUND, No. 111 – Chase Pietila**
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Team: Michigan Tech (NCAA)
Pryor’s take: “He’s a solid defender with size and physicality. He made significant strides at Michigan Tech and brings competitiveness and puck-moving ability.”

**SIXTH ROUND, No. 175 – Joona Vaisanen
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Team: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Pryor’s take: “A smooth-skating defenseman with excellent puck-moving abilities. He’s effective in all zones and brings defensive reliability.”

**SEVENTH ROUND, No. 207 – Mac Swanson**
Position: Center/Wing
Shoots: Left
Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
Pryor’s take: “Highly skilled and intelligent, despite his size. He’s a competitive player with exciting potential.”

**SEVENTH ROUND, No. 223 – Finn Harding**
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Pryor’s take: “Intelligent and defensively responsible. He takes pride in his game and has shown progress in his development.”

The Penguins’ strategic shift towards bolstering their right-handed defensive depth reflects a calculated effort to fortify their prospect pipeline and address immediate needs within their organizational structure.