The Athletic’s latest top‑100 prospect ranking, compiled by analyst Scott Wheeler, places three Pittsburgh Penguins draftees among the elite of the 2024 draft class.
A Rising Defense Talent
Defenseman Harrison Brunicke, the team’s 2024 second‑round selection, lands at No. 74. Though he appeared in only nine NHL games last season, posting a solitary goal, his development with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL and a strong showing with the AHL’s Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton affiliate have raised expectations that he could become a cornerstone on the Penguins’ blue line.
Forward Rutger McGroarty, ranked No. 84, posted three goals and six points in 24 NHL appearances last year, but his breakout came in the AHL where he recorded 10 goals and 34 points across 30 games for Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton, underscoring his readiness for a larger role.
Forward Depth Emerges
Center Will Horcoff, the 2025 first‑round pick, checks in at No. 92 after a standout collegiate season at the University of Michigan, where he tallied 25 goals and 39 points in 40 games, a performance that positions him as one of the most polished offensive prospects in the pipeline.
The presence of three Penguins prospects in the top 100 reflects a sustained investment in player development and a draft strategy that prioritizes both size and skill. While the ultimate impact will unfold over several seasons, the early indicators suggest that Pittsburgh’s prospect pool is not only deeper but also more versatile than in recent memory.