Harkins finding his place with Pens

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This article was published 06/02/2024 (619 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PITTSBURGH — Jansen Harkins would have loved to have hit the ice Tuesday night wearing a Winnipeg Jets jersey, just as he’d done for 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 that much, even as he came to realize a change of scenery was likely in the cards.

“I don’t think I ever just gave up. My goal was always to play, and to play in Winnipeg. I didn’t really have any other goal or idea of where I wanted to be,” Harkins told the Free Press, following the Pittsburgh Penguins’ morning skate.

“But that’s a luxury you kind of earn in this league. The grass is not always greener. I’ve seen that just in terms of playing for a while. For me, it was just kind of trying to make it stick there. I feel like I did for a time.”

Harkins, 26, certainly did during the 2021-22 season, recording career-highs in games (77), goals (7), assists (6) and points (13) while cementing himself as a bottom-six staple. Not bad for a guy who, early in his pro development in 2017-18, was sent to the ECHL to find his game.

So, what changed?

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

Another extended stint with the minor-league affiliate appeared likely this season given how many other forwards were ahead of him on the depth chart. However, he never made it back to the Moose, as the Penguins had a hole to fill and scooped him off the waiver wire in early October.

“It was a little bittersweet to leave,” Harkins admitted. “I feel like I did the best I could. I would have liked to to play in Winnipeg. I think that was always the goal. But things kind of take a turn and just trying to make a most of it here.”

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

“Exciting. It’s definitely a game that, when you leave, you know it’s in the back of your mind waiting for it to happen,” said Harkins, who was on the fourth line with veteran Jeff Carter and Noel Acciari.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much, but now that it’s here, seeing the guys again, bringing back tons of memories and friendships, it’ll be fun to go out there and play hockey.”

His statistics don’t exactly pop off the page — no goals and four assists so far — but Harkins has now become a regular following two earlier season demotions to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL

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

“I think Harks, when we look at his contribution to that line, he brings some north-south speed, he’s good on the forecheck, he’s got a deceptively good shot. I think there’s a level of offence that’s untapped there, and we’re trying to work through that with Harks. I think he’s done a good job just with a reliable, trustworthy game. And embracing the role that we’ve cast him in.”

Harkins said it was difficult to join a team such as the Penguins — with so many established core players — and immediately find a fit. He’s come to appreciate his new surroundings, both on and off the ice.

“It’s a great place to go play hockey. This city loves its sports… very similar to Winnipeg in that way,” he said.

“And just the players here. It’s really cool to come to the rink every day and try and learn and be better. We’ve got a good team, coming down the stretch here I’ve got to be able to chip in and help the team out. If I’m going to be the player I want to be, be the player I want to become, I’ve got to take advantage of the opportunities.”

Being able to hang out with perennial all-stars such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson certainly has its perks.

“I definitely try to kind of pick up just little things. I think the broadest term is just really cool. I think every day is special. You don’t really take it for granted,” said Harkins.

He’s also learned more about himself, including the mental fortitude needed for a fringe player like himself to navigate the ups and downs of professional sports. His father, Todd, has helped in that regard, having played 48 NHL games in his own career while bouncing between numerous minor-league organizations.

“He’s obviously been just huge in my life with hockey,” said Harkins.

“I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job throughout my career kind of bouncing back and staying resilient. So, obviously you want to be somewhere where they have that faith and, you know, they see something right. So, just trying to kind of prove them right and just get better every day. And I think so far it’s been working out.”

Harkins does have one goal with the Penguins, even if it doesn’t technically count. He scored the shootout winner against the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 13 in a marathon competition that went 12 rounds.

He joked that he figured his time in the breakaway event was coming given that only a handful of defencemen had yet to be tasked with taking a shot.

As for his old team, Harkins is happy to see the Jets doing well. Turns out the feeling is mutual.

“He’s a great kid. And a great teammate,” Bowness said Tuesday.

“He comes to the rink every day with a great attitude and good work habits. You want that. You want those guys who have to fight their way to be rewarded. (I’m) very happy for him. He deserves it. (He’s) just a real good pro.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg