A depth Pittsburgh Penguins forward is working his way back to full health.
PITTSBURGH – As the Pittsburgh Penguins work their way towards a possible playoff berth, they are seeing a depth forward work his way back from injury. Jansen Harkins has been out of the Penguins lineup since early March after a fight with Washington Capitals forward Beck Malenstyn.
The Penguins later announced that Harkins has undergone surgery on his hand and would be away from the ice on a long-term basis. As we approach a month since the surgery, Harkins has started skated on his own and at the most recent practice, took another step towards full health.
Harkins took part in an optional skate with a handful of teammates. Following the practice, head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed it was Harkins’ first skate since being cleared for contact.
At the moment, it feels unlikely the Penguins put Harkins back in the lineup since they’ve been one of the hotter teams in the NHL in recent weeks. The Penguins are 6-2-2 in their last 10 and have recorded standings points in seven straight games.
Harkins has played 43 games this season without a goal and only four assists. Even if Harkins is healthy, he’s being outplayed by some other key faces in the Penguins lineup right now.
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