When it came time to make selections in the 2024 NHL Draft in the summertime, the Penguins only had 6 selections to make. But the picks that they did make, were actually really good ones and each draft pick is going to receive a grade.
Second Round Pick 44: Defenseman Harrison Brunicke
The Penguins first selection of the 2024 NHL Draft came in the second round since the Penguins did not have a first-round pick.
The Penguins selected defenseman Harrison Brunicke from the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League.
So far, he has put up 3 goals and 9 assists in 15 games for the Blazers of the WHL and even got a trial run in the preseason for the Penguins. He actually looked quite good for the Penguins in his little preseason trial run.
Harrison Brunicke had himself a night. He plays the game so smoothly. Whether that’s skating out of pressure, slipping sticks, or making crisp breakout passes, he always does it smooth.
— ChelPenguins (@ChelPenguins) October 2, 2024
He legitimately looks like a 5-year veteran as an 18-year-old. Super impressed, as is Sully. pic.twitter.com/WnRzSjOCdM
Draft Grade: A
Second Round Pick 46: Forward Tanner Howe
The Penguins second selection in the 2024 NHL Draft came 2 picks after selecting Brunicke. They selected forward Tanner Howe with this pick. And there is a lot to like about him.
Tanner Howe mixtape from the weekend. First three games back from injury. Immediate presence with his physicality, on the penalty kill, and super annoying to play against. Lots of good NHL behaviors already. And he looks a step faster. pic.twitter.com/KiEdnvVv5S
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) November 4, 2024
Howe is exactly the kind of player that the Penguins need.
Draft Grade: A
Fourth Round Pick 111: Defenseman Chase Pietila
The Penguins third selection in the draft was in the fourth-round. They selected defenseman Chase Pietila.
Chase Pietila distributes the puck from the blueline leading to a late tying goal for @mtuhky to force overtime! 🍏 Read the latest #ArnoldSlickFromTurtleCreek Prospect Report at https://t.co/Mgqw84AsdQ!#NHL #NHLProspects #PittsburghPenguins #PenguinsProspects pic.twitter.com/D96xU1iZQi
— Arnold Slick From Turtle Creek (@ASFTCProspects) December 19, 2024
Pietila is still a raw product but there is much to like about his game. He is good with the puck and sending it to teammates and is a decent skater but he still needs work there.
Draft Grade: B+
Sixth Round Pick 175: Defenseman Joona Vaisanen
The Penguins fourth selection in this draft came in the sixth round. They selected defenseman Joona Vaisanen.
Joona Vaisanen works the puck behind the 🥅 and scores for the first time in the #NCAA with @WMUHockey 🚨. The Broncos went 2-0 on the weekend. Read the latest #ArnoldSlickFromTurtleCreek Prospect Report at https://t.co/14UCiA4vVq!#NHL #PittsburghPenguins #PenguinsProspects pic.twitter.com/4yJGMP3BKP
— Arnold Slick From Turtle Creek (@ASFTCProspects) October 16, 2024
Vaisanen has really good skating ability and knows when to make the right play and what that play is. But like Pietila, he is still raw and needs some work.
Draft Grade: B-
Seventh Round Pick 207: Forward Mac Swanson
The Penguins fifth selection in this draft came in the seventh round and they selected forward Mac Swanson. This pick was an absolute steal as Swanson was projected to be drafted in the earlier rounds but because of his size, he dropped.
Penguins just drafted Mac Swanson from Alaska, USA.
— Baku 🐧 (@Mazursky8895) June 29, 2024
Just won the USHL championship, playoff MVP, and regular season MVP.
He put up 79 points in 43 games as a 15 year old.
What a pick. pic.twitter.com/ne4ahxNEv3
The Penguins selected another forward that is really good at skating and driving offensive play. When he comes up to the NHL, Penguins fans are going to love this kid.
Draft Grade: A+
Seventh Round Pick 223: Defenseman Finn Harding
With the sixth and final pick of this draft, the Penguins selected Finn Harding in the seventh round.
D Finn Harding scored in second straight game. He has been really hot lately with 6 pts (2-4) in his last 3 games. pic.twitter.com/sx1ZvaVg2N
— PensProspects (@pensprospects_) December 21, 2024
Another really good skater with some offensive instincts. The Penguins and their fans are gonna like this kid when he comes up to the NHL.
Draft Grade: B