It’s been nearly two months since our last look at the Penguins’ prospect pool, and with the calendar turning toward the stretch run of the season, it's a good time to check in on some of the organization's up-and-comers outside of Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre. This isn’t an exhaustive breakdown of every name in the system, but rather a spotlight on some of the more intriguing developments happening across junior, college, and European leagues. Let’s dive in.
Harrison Brunicke: Back in the WHL and Making Noise
After a quiet November and December where he saw limited action, Harrison Brunicke is back in a groove-and back in the WHL with Kamloops. Following a middling showing at the World Juniors, the Penguins made the call to return the defenseman to junior hockey, where he could log big minutes and continue his development.
And so far? He’s thriving.
Brunicke has racked up eight points (2G, 6A) in just five games since rejoining Kamloops, a notable uptick from his pace last season when he posted 30 points in 41 games. The offensive side is clicking, and he’s generating some highlight-reel moments along the way.
This is exactly the kind of environment Brunicke needs right now-playing top-pair minutes, quarterbacking the power play, and growing his confidence as a go-to guy. Kamloops currently sits fifth in the WHL’s Western Conference, so there’s still meaningful hockey ahead.
Once that wraps, Brunicke could be in line for a late-season look with Wilkes-Barre. Whether it’s this spring or next fall, the next step in his development will be the pro game.
Bill Zonnon: Finally Healthy and Finding His Groove
Of the Penguins’ three first-round picks from last summer, Bill Zonnon’s path has been the rockiest so far. While Ben Kindel is already making waves in the NHL and Will Horcoff is lighting it up in the NCAA, Zonnon’s season got off to a frustrating start. An injury during junior training camp sidelined him during Pittsburgh’s NHL camp, and just two games into his QMJHL return, he was hurt again.
But now he’s back-and starting to show why the Penguins invested a first-round pick in him. In 15 games, Zonnon has 21 points, including 16 (6G, 10A) in his last 10 and 10 (3G, 7A) in his last five. That stretch includes a hat trick, a clear sign that the offensive instincts are still very much intact.
It’s a relief to see Zonnon shaking off the rust and building momentum. With the CHL-AHL exception rule allowing one 19-year-old junior player to play in the AHL next season, Zonnon is making a strong case to be that guy. If he keeps trending in this direction, he could be knocking on Wilkes-Barre’s door by next fall.
Melvin Fernstrom: A Reset on the Horizon
Melvin Fernstrom’s season hasn’t gone according to plan. Acquired in the Marcus Pettersson/Drew O’Connor deal, the 19-year-old winger came into the year with high expectations after winning SHL Rookie of the Year in 2024-25. But progress isn’t always linear, and Fernstrom has hit a speed bump.
He’s struggled to find his rhythm in Sweden’s top league, managing just four points (3G, 1A) in 36 games. He was left off Sweden’s World Junior roster and recently loaned to a second-tier club. That’s a tough pill for any young player, especially one trying to push toward the NHL.
But there’s a new development: Fernstrom is reportedly on his way to North America. His Swedish club announced that he’ll be recalled by the Penguins, citing a lack of available playing time as the reason for the move. Until the transition is complete, he’ll continue training with his current team.
This is a pivotal moment for Fernstrom. His shot and offensive instincts are NHL-caliber, but his skating needs work-and there’s no better place to address that than inside an NHL organization’s development system. If the Penguins can get him on the right path physically, there’s still plenty of upside to unlock.
Will Horcoff: Cooling Off, But Still Trending Up
Will Horcoff’s season has been a roller coaster. The Michigan forward was red-hot early in the year, establishing himself as one of the top goal scorers in college hockey. But his World Juniors performance was underwhelming, and since returning to NCAA play, he’s slowed down a bit-no goals and just two assists in four games.
That’s not a red flag, just a reminder that development isn’t always a straight line. Horcoff was always seen as a longer-term project, someone who’d need time to put all the tools together.
The early-season surge may have raised expectations, but the overall trajectory remains positive. He’s still one of the more exciting forward prospects in the system.
Gabriel D’Aigle: A Raw Talent Worth Watching
Goaltending prospects are notoriously difficult to project, and Gabriel D’Aigle fits that mold to a tee. The Penguins’ third-round pick in 2025 is big, athletic, and still very much a work in progress. There have been ups and downs, but a recent deep-dive analysis highlighted some encouraging signs.
There’s a lot of raw material to work with here. D’Aigle has the physical tools and flashes of elite potential.
The challenge will be refining his technique and consistency. He’s a longer-term play, but one worth monitoring closely.
Cruz Lucius: Decision Time Approaching
Cruz Lucius, acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade, is putting together a strong senior season at Arizona State. Health has been an issue in the past, but not this year. Lucius has tallied 35 points (12G, 23A) in 26 games, ranking fourth in NCAA scoring.
He’s showing the kind of playmaking ability that could translate to the pro level. One recent assist from behind the net stood out as a savvy, heads-up play that sparked a goal-scoring sequence. The Penguins will need to make a decision on whether to sign Lucius once his college season ends, and he’s making a strong case.
Bottom Line: The Penguins’ prospect pipeline is showing a little bit of everything-breakouts, setbacks, rebounds, and long-term projects. That’s the nature of development.
But there’s reason for optimism across the board. From Brunicke’s WHL resurgence to Zonnon’s return to form, and even Fernstrom’s upcoming transition to North America, Pittsburgh’s future is taking shape in real time.