LAS VEGAS — After sitting out the first round of the NHL draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins took a pair of prospects from the Canadian junior ranks in Saturday’s second round.

Their selection at 44th overall was Kamloops defenseman Harrison Brunicke, who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, then moved to Calgary at the age of 2.

Brunicke, 18, is a right-handed shot and is listed at 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds. He is considered a two-way defenseman with strong skating ability. He had 10 goals and 21 points with a minus-12 rating in 49 games for Kamloops last season.

“He’s got a lot of attributes that made him really attractive to us,” Penguins director of amateur scouting Nick Pryor said. “Anytime you can find a defenseman that can move like that at that size, and move the puck well, it is really attractive.”

Two picks later, the Penguins drafted feisty Regina Pats forward Tanner Howe.

Howe, 18, is a forward with a left shot. He’s 5-10 and 184 pounds. He had 36 goals and 85 points in 2022-23 and followed it up with 28 goals and 77 points last season. He was captain for the Pats in 2023-24, taking over for Connor Bedard.

“It’s a crazy feeling. Hugging your parents and family, it’s pretty crazy. Obviously speechless,” Howe said during a joint press conference alongside Brunicke at the Sphere. “Pittsburgh is such a great organization. Can’t wait to get started.”

Howe, who admitted his skating needs some work, called himself a competitive player who embraces the agitator role. Brad Marchand is one of his favorites. Pryor agreed, calling him a player with a “high motor,” plus some strength and skill.

“I kind of call myself a Swiss Army Knife,” Howe added. “I [can play] in all positions, I can play penalty kill and I think I’m good five-on-five, too. I play wing or centerman. I think that’s kind of what makes me special. I can play with anyone.”

Brunicke described himself as “a two-way defenseman,” saying he tries to mirror his game after Miro Heiskanen, the stud blue-liner for the Dallas Stars. He said he wants to become more physical, throwing hits and winning more battles.

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