First Round Targets: Jansen Harkins

Jansen Harkins is a name that could be applied to both a cop in a made-for-TV movie and a current junior hockey player.

The son of former NHLer Todd Harkins, the Prince George Cougars’ centre (and team leading scorer) is currently being projected as a late-first round option.

Harkins’ draft year saw him manage 20 goals and 59 assists. His 35 primary assists ranked second among draft eligible WHL players, and 9th among draft eligble CHL players.

Harkins, by most accounts, sounds like a very intelligent on-ice player and a quality off-ice leader.

ESPN’s Corey Pronman states, “His hockey sense is his best trait, as he is patient, anticipates the play well, has good vision and is creative with the puck.”

McKeen’s added that he “moves the puck quickly as a by-product of sharp processing abilities and swift decision making.” 

Future Considerations, however, saw it a little differently.

“Despite not being the most dynamic or creative minded with the puck, he protects it well,” they wrote.

Whether creative or not, Harkins’ stats speak for themselves, finding a way to get the puck to his teammates and eventually into the net. While not the greatest goal scorer, Harkins playmaking abilities could be complementary to some of the Leafs’ wingers, both new and old.

Multiple sources stated Harkins’ penalty killing abilities are also an asset.

Harkins appears to provide a solid option as a future NHL, but also likely isn’t going to blow anyone away and develop into a superstar. There’s no clear reason to stray away if the Leafs put him high on his draft board and he’s still available, but he’s also not a must-have talent.

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