With the 25th overall pick in SBN’s 2015 NHL Mock Draft Arctic Ice Hockey (on behalf of the Winnipeg Jets) selects Jansen Harkins. Jansen Harkins is an interesting prospect. He is primarily credited for his hard work and defensive acumen, while scouts make apologies for his offensive downfalls. The strange thing about this is that his offensive numbers are rock solid. Harkins may not be a sniper, but he is a smart player and a savvy play-maker who’s points per game total isn’t far off that of Mark Schiefele when they were the same age.
Relative to picks from this year'd draft; Harkins' per game rate was 26th best in WHL. His age adjust PPG was 8th, ahead of Petan and second to only Merkley among eligibles. His percentage of team points was 16th in the W and 3rd among eligibles, behind only Barzal and Debrusk. Barzal, Debrusk and Merkley are all dang fine prospects. Harkins is quite clearly in a solid class.
The Measurables
Height: 6'1
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Centre
The Stats
The Previous Picks
1. Edmonton: Connor McDavid.
2. Buffalo: Jack Eichel.
3. Arizona: Dylan Strome
4. Toronto: Mitch Marner
5. Carolina: Noah Hanifin
6. New Jersey: Mathew Barzal
7. Philadelphia: Ivan Provovov
8. Columbus: Zach Werenski
9. San Jose: Pavel Zacha
10. Colorado: Mikko Raantanen
11. Florida: Lawson Crouse
12. Dallas: Kyle Connor
13. Los Angeles: Travis Konecny
14. Boston: Timo Meier
15. Calgary: Jeremy Roy
16. Edmonton (via Pittsburgh): Jakub Zboril
17. Winnipeg: Nick Merkley
18. Ottawa: Oliver Kylington
19. Detroit: Jeremy Bracco
20. Minnesota: Yevginey Svechnikov
21. Buffalo (via NYI): Paul Bittner
22. Washington: Joel Eriksson Ek
23. Vancouver: Colin White
24. Toronto (via NSH): Daniel Sprong
The Voting
This was a tight vote. The two front runners were Jansen Harkins and Anthony Beauvillier. This vote was interesting and there was great debate internally. The Beauvillier voters felt passionately that he was the best player available, and for good reason. Beauvillier is a dominant scorer at a very young age he also has a rock-solid defensive game.
Despite the tight vote, there were a number of solid picks on the board at 25. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser were also in consideration – for me anyways. Boeser's scouting report reads similarly, but his production lags a little behind Harkins'. DeBrusk was among the WHL's best goal scorers. Nicolas Meloche leads the way for defenders. They weren't the only players on the board thought, there were probably 8 or 9 players remaining that I'd be happy to see the Jets select. This draft is DEEP and it is going to be awesome to watch it all unfold.
The Video
The Scouting Reports
A blue collar type two-way center. Heads-up player who makes high-percentage plays in all three zones; efficient in all situations. Smooth skater. Out-working the opposition and being hard to play against are leadership traits that Jansen Harkins most definitely embodies. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)
Has been getting many comparisons, due to his high-end playmaking ability and all-around game, to the player David Krejci. Comparable adaptive game and ability to shoot as well as pass the puck. [EP]
Highly competitive pivot that is always moving his feet wreaking havoc for opposing defenders. Harkins projects as a #2 or 3 energy centerman at the next level, carving out a role as a two-way all-situations forward. He’s an adept puck handler at top speed and owns good vision as a playmaker. Praised for his high-end hockey intelligence and pin-point positioning, it’s no wonder that Harkins projects as an effective two-way checker. His defensive ability should be applauded but Harkins has also shown to be a very dangerous WHL attacker, cashing in on nearly a third of Prince George’s goals this season. With 18 goals and 69 points through 59 games, Harkins has smashed his rookie production highs. Harkins earns most of his points through hard-work and while his skating has room for improvement, this heart-and-soul player will be a welcomed addition early at the draft. [Brendan Ross]
Harkins has the potential to be a top-six centre, with the ability to play against the other team’s top lines if he is able to reach his full potential. His game is reminiscent of David Krejci of the Boston Bruins, but this is not a talent comparison, but merely a stylistic one. [Last Word on Sports]
My hockey IQ is something I try to use to my advantage. I’m more of a playmaker than a shooter. Pretty good defensive forward. I try to play a well-rounded game and a complete game.
Definitely Jonathan Toews and Anze Kopitar are two guys I look up to. Their leadership and they kind of lead by example, they play every game like it’s their last. That’s what I try to do, compete and be a smart player and a good defensive player, which they both are. [Jansen Harkins]
Would you be happy with Jansen Harkins at 25th overall?
