The Pittsburgh Penguins may already be running out of patience with Jansen Harkins.

We are only four games into the Pittsburgh Penguins season, and the bottom six have already drawn the ire of the fanbase. Four of those six forwards are new to the team and have combined for one assist through four games.

Especially concerning is the performance of the Penguins' third line. Jansen Harkins was a late addition to the roster, claimed in the final week of the preseason by the Penguins. He quickly made an impression, showcasing his offensive potential and willingness to forecheck and play a physical style.

Since the regular season began, Harkins has looked lost on the ice. He's averaging 9:28 of ice time and has twice been replaced in the lineup late in games due to mental mistakes that nearly cost the Penguins to give up a goal.

The Penguins held several roster battles throughout camp, with Penguins President of Hockey Ops and General Manager Kyle Dubas making it a point to give head coach Mike Sullivan plenty of options for the bottom of his lineup. 

With Harkins struggling to get his feet underneath him and no track record of success at the NHL level, the Penguins could look to replace him with one of their multiple bubble roster players currently playing in the AHL.

The Penguins need to put someone on waivers to clear a roster spot and salary cap space to recall another forward.

Harkins' linemates, Drew O'Connor and Lars Eller, have not performed well either, but both have a significantly higher standing in the organization. The Penguins need more from their bottom-six moving forward, and Harkins is the odd man out if the Penguins look to make changes.

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