Jansen Harkins Forcing His Way in to Penguins Lineup
A late addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp might find his name in the opening night roster.
When the Pittsburgh Penguins entered training camp, it was clear there was going to be a huge battle for multiple positions within the bottom-six forward group.
In the early days of camp, there were some obvious leaders like Drew O’Connor and Lars Eller; now, the Penguins have a late addition that has earned a real chance.
Jansen Harkins was claimed off of waivers from the Winnipeg Jets and after a couple of days or camp and a pair of preseason games, he looks like a perfect fit.
Despite only recording an assist in the two exhibition games, Harkins has been noticeable every time he’s stepped on the ice.
Harkins is always around the puck and forcing plays to happen for the Penguins, and found himself with a number of scoring chances.
He didn’t spend much time at the NHL level last season, but the Penguins staff liked what they saw and are impressed by what he’s brough.
“He's made an impression on us in the short time he’s been here,” Mike Sullivan said. “As I said to you guys before, the people in our hockey operations department, Kyle (Dubas) included, think very highly of Jansen, and I see why.”
With the Jets in 2022-23, Harkins played in 22 games and recorded five points; while in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, however, he scored 50 points in 44 games.
It’s those AHL numbers the Penguins are hoping to unlock scoring-wise, but they’ve liked so much more about Harkins.
“He has good size; he can really skate,” Sullivan said. “He chased down a couple of pucks tonight to negate icings. And he's got a real good shot. He's got good velocity on his wrist shot. He's shown an ability to score at the American League level.”
The Penguins are impressed and with the regular season just days away, Harkins may have turned his short audition into a legitimate role in the NHL.
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