Winnipeg Jets’ 2016 Top 25 Under 25: #21 Jansen Harkins

Overview:

Jansen Harkins is another Jets pick that definitely is a "Chevy pick". Fills all of those niches that you expect: leadership, faller, good two-way game, and American-born (His dad is native to Cleveland, Ohio). If only Harkins was from the USHL he would have been a one man summary of the 2015 draft.

Even this scouting report shows how perfect of a Chevy pick it is: "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 (Elite Prospects)

Projected by Jets fans to be a middle-six player, it's unknown where he ends his development curve at this point. After a down season, it's much harder to project what we can expect with Harkins. After another year in the WHL, Harkins will transition fully to the pro game where it is assumed he will start with the Moose.

Scoring Statistics:

Despite being a decrease in production, Harkins still posted his second highest point total in the WHL with 57. Down from his draft year of 79. It is expected that he will bring his numbers back up to at least 79 points, going into his final junior league season.

Advanced Statistics:

Compare this to his numbers pre-draft, and you'll see a stark difference. It's assumed that he won't remain at last season's numbers and will preform better. I'd place his odds somewhere in between these two charts.

Using these numbers, it's not unrealistic to assume Harkins has a good chance of contributing at the NHL level.

AIH Author's Thoughts:

"Jansen is a smart two-way player and a quality passer. His numbers definitely fell off of a cliff last year, but I think there is still enough there to say he has middle-6 upside"- Truck
"Harkins came to the Jets via the 2nd round in the 14-15 draft, selected after Connor and Roslovic. Boy, were the Jets surprised he was available. After a 6 game stint with the Moose to finish off the season, Harkins got his feet wet for professional hockey and promises to make great gains in his first full year. 4 years of junior served him well, as he finished off his time with Prince George with 24 goals and 57 points." – Andy

"Was pleasantly surprised to see Harkins drop to the Jets in the 2nd round, but after seeing his numbers drop in his draft+1 maybe maybe it wasn't such a surprise. I do think there is still some talent here, but he'll need to put in a big draft+2 season for me to get excited about him again." – Arby
Summary:

A lot is left unknown with Jansen Harkins at this point. There's still a good chance he can contribute at the NHL level, and he'll surely get his chance. Will he be the middle-six stud many Jet fans had envisioned him as? That is yet to be seen. This upcoming year should be pretty telling though.

Any thoughts on our #21 player under 25, Jansen Harkins? Let us know down in the comment section!