Penguins Claim Jansen Harkins on Waivers from Jets

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — The Pittsburgh Penguins added to their forward depth Monday afternoon by claiming Cleveland native Jansen Harkins off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

Harkins, 26, has 154 games of NHL experience including 22 games with Winnipeg last season. His 154 games are over the last four seasons, including 2021-22, when he played 77 games and reached seven goals and six assists.

The LW is 6-foot-1, 182 pounds. Last season, he had 11 blocks and 16 hits in 22 games. Before that, he had 18 blocks and 51 hits in 77 games. In his four-year NHL career, he averaged 9:42 of total time on ice.

However, in 44 AHL games last season, Harkins put up 50 points with 25 goals. In his previous AHL stint in 2019-20, he also had more than a point per game with 31 points (7-24-31) in 30 games.

The Penguins face the Ottawa Senators on Monday evening at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Currently, Vinnie Hinostroza and Austin Wagner are battling for the LW spot on the fourth line beside Noel Acciari and Jeff Carter.

It’s unknown, but presumed that Harkins will join that battle. Harkins was the Jets second-r0und pick (47th overall) in 2015.