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Harkins finds his niche with the pen – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

PITTSBURGH — Jansen Harkins would have loved to take the ice Tuesday night in a Winnipeg Jets jersey, just as he did in the first 154 games of his NHL career with the team that selected him in the second round of the 2015 draft.

He enjoyed his time with the organization so much that he even realized that a change of scenery might be on the cards.

“I don't think I ever gave up. My goal was always to play and play in Winnipeg. I didn't have any other goals or ideas of where I wanted to be,” Harkins said free press, After the Pittsburgh Penguins morning skate.

Matt Slocum/Associated Press files Jansen Harkins (left) was excited to see his former teammates at the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.

Matt Slocum / Associated Press files

Jansen Harkins (left) was excited to see his former teammates at the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.

“But that's a luxury you find in this league. The grass isn't always greener. I've seen this in terms of playing for a while. For me, it was just trying to keep it there. I feel like I did for a while.”

Harkins, 26, was in the bottom six in 2021-22 in games played (77), goals (7), assists (6) and points (13). Not bad for a guy who was sent down to the ECHL in 2017-18 to find his game early in his professional development.

So what has changed?

“Obviously, you know, new coaches come in, new players come in and that's the nature of the game,” Harkins said. The Ohio product played in 22 games last year under new boss Rick Bowness, recording three goals and two assists, and played 44 games in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose.

Another extended stint with a minor league affiliate could be in the offing this season given how many hitters have been ahead of him on the depth chart. However, he never returned to the Moose, as the Penguins had a hole to fill from the waiver wire in early October.

“It was a little bittersweet to leave,” Harkins admitted. “I feel like I did my best. I want to play in Winnipeg. I think that was always the goal. But things change and everyone tries to do it here.”

He faces his old club for the first time on Tuesday, skating in his 32nd game of the year with the Penguins.

“Interesting. It's definitely a game that when you leave, you know it's going to happen,” said Harkins, who was on the fourth line with veteran Jeff Carter and Noel Acciari.

“I tried not to think about it too much, but now that he's here, seeing the guys again and bringing back a lot of memories and friends, it's going to be fun to go out there and play hockey.”

His stats so far are no goals and four assists – but Harkins has become a regular after being demoted to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins the previous two seasons.

“Since that second draft, I think he's done a really good job of understanding what his strengths are and how to play to his strengths,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said.

“I think Harks, looking at what he's contributed to this track, he brings north-south speed, he's good at forechecking, he's got a deceptively good shot. I think there's an undiscovered level of offense there and we're trying to work with Harks on that. I think he did a good job with a solid, confident game. And we accept the role played by him.

Harkins said it's difficult to join a team like the Penguins — with so many key players — and fit right in. He began to appreciate his new surroundings, both on and off the ice.

“It's a great place to play hockey. This city loves its sports … very similar to Winnipeg,” he said.

“And only the players here. It's great to come to the rink every day and try to learn and get better. We have a good team and I have to come down here and help the team. If I want to be the player I want to be, I'm going to be the player I want to be, I have to take the opportunities.”

Being around perennial stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson has its perks.

“I try to get the little things. I think the broadest term is pretty cool. I think every day is special. You don't take it for granted,” Harkins said.

He also learned more about himself, including the mental capacity a player like himself needs to navigate the ups and downs of professional sports. His father, Todd, helped in that regard, playing 48 NHL games in his career while bouncing between numerous minor league organizations.

“He's obviously been a big part of my hockey life,” Harkins said.

“I feel like I've done really well in my career, rebounding and staying resilient like that. So obviously you want to be in a place where they have faith and they see things right. So try to prove them right and try to improve every day. I think it's worked so far.”

Although not technically counted, Harkins has a goal with the Penguins. He hit the game-winner against the Montreal Canadiens in a 12-inning marathon on December 13.

He joked that his time will come in the rebounding event, given that few defenders have yet been tasked with shooting.