Analyzing each draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins

Year two of the Kyle Dubas era for the Pittsburgh Penguins started this past weekend at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas. Without a first round draft pick (lost in the Erik Karlsson trade), Dubas had to still find ways to add young prospects. Here is how the Penguins did in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Defenseman Harrison Brunicke: Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Selection- Second Round, 44th overall

Height: 6-2

Weight: 196

Brunicke is a smart two-way defenseman who has flashes of future offensive production. When moving the puck, he is an agile stickhandler who is a plus skater and can get to maximum speed quickly. He changes the pace of the game and keeps defenders on their heels. He has defensive awareness and understands what is going on around him.

Brunicke’s shot from the point lacks speed and direction, and he has never established himself as a finisher from the backend. He takes unnecessary risks at times and can be turnover prone when he gets pressured. He missed most of last season with an upper-body injury, but played well at the end of the year, scoring five goals in 11 games. He has the ability to become a solid second-pairing defenseman who can play a solid defensive game.

Forward Tanner Howe:Regina Pats (WHL)

Selection- Second Round, 46th overall

Height: 5-10

Weight: 184

Tanner Howe is a high energy player who will add versatility to the Penguins lineup. He plays the game hard and does the dirty things needed to win games while maintaining the potential to score goals. After watching his tape, Draft Nation saw a young Patric Hornqvist. The ex-Penguin was known for playing with heart and scoring big goals, Howe is not quite as strong as Horny, but he is a more proficient skater. When the Penguins play in two or three seasons the team is going to be a rebuilt product. Tanner Howe is a player who can help you on the second line and play on special teams, while adding some sandpaper to the lineup. 

On the downside, he is small and may have issues with the physicality and size of the league. At 5-foot-10, he will have to learn how to adjust and stay healthy. Howe grew up with 2023 first-round pick Brayden Yager, and listed Sidney Crosby as his idol before getting drafted by the Penguins.

Defenseman Chase Pietila: Michigan Tech (NCAA)

Selection- Fourth Round, 111th overall

Height: 6-2

Weight: 186

Pietila was a do-it all defenseman at Michigan Tech last season. He was given the job of playing against his opponents best players, and he was productive on the offensive side. He finished third in the country in total even strength ice time, and seems to have a non-stop motor. 

Pietila doesn't have one outstanding trait in particular. He will not punish you physically, but he does enough in the offensive zone to get by. He projects as a third-pairing defenseman in the NHL.

Defenseman Joona Vaisanen: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Selection- Sixth Round, 175th overall

Height: 6-1

Weight: 175

Joona Vaisanen is committed to play hockey at Western Michigan next season. This will help the development of Vaisanen, who is a smooth skater and can move the puck effectively.

The 19 year-old has been passed twice in the draft and is one of the oldest prospects selected. He lacks a burst to his skating and he will need to re-define his play in the defensive zone. Heading to Western Michigan will give him the opportunity to improve his overall play. He is a good value pick in the sixth round of the draft.

Forward Max Swanson: Fargo Force (USHL)

Selection- Seventh Round, 207th overall

Height: 5-8

Weight: 167

Swanson is a small forward who has a non-stop motor and is very creative in finding ways to get open and shoot. He never stops moving his feet and is always moving to find open space. He sees the ice as well as anybody and he is ultra-competitive shift to shift. He will need to get stronger and improve his overall skating ability before he can be considered an NHL talent. 

Swanson was teammates with Zam Plante, a 2022 fifth-round pick of the Penguins. Matt Cullen, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion in 2016 and 2017 with Pittsburgh, currently works in player development for the Penguins, is also a Fargo Force part-owner and speaks highly about Swanson and his overall game.

Defenseman Finn Harding: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Selection- Seventh Round, 223rd overall

Height: 6-1

Weight: 198

Harding is a reliable, two-way defender who plays best when he is pushing the play. He does an effective job of knowing when to jump into plays and sees the ice well at the point. Harding was one the most improved players in the OHL last season and if he keeps progressing, the Penguins may have a solid pick late in the draft.