Winnipeg Jets Top 25 Under 25 –
#22 – Jansen Harkins
6’1” 187 lbs – Left Wing – Shoots Left
AHL 2018-2019 Season: 70 GP – 15G – 16A – 31PTS – 37PIM – 83 SOG
After what could be viewed as a disappointing first full pro season in 2017-18 when Jansen Harkins managed just two goals and 13 points in 46 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose, Harkins saw significant improvement this past season, finishing in the double-digits in both goals and assists to finish with 15 goals, 16 helpers and 31 points in 70 games.
This was actually the fourth season in which Harkins laced them up for the Winnipeg Jets affiliate, which makes him seem like he’s older than his 22-year-old self really is. At the conclusion of both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Harkins was called up to get some pro games in. He had three points in six games in the spring of 2016, with four in four in 2017. Harkins was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Harkins was more of a pass first centre when in the Dub, with 167 assists compared to 75 goals in his 275 games with Prince George. The transition to left wing seems to have taken away some of that play making ability, but as Logan Shaw, Michael Spacek and Felix Girard were getting the bulk of the centre minutes, Harkins was forced to the wing.
Harkins played a bit on each of the top three forward lines for the Moose this season, though most of his time was a little further down the depth chart, usually on the third line.
This upcoming year is the final on Harkins’ entry-level contract, with his gameplay set to dictate his usage and pay going forward. His play also improved in the new year, as he put up seven points in 30 games prior to the calendar switching over and 24 in 40 games afterwards. Not exactly earth shattering, but when it came to production from depth players, Harkins was a big part of the push that saw the Moose come up just short in their comeback bid from league basement to making the playoffs.
@NHLJets 2nd rounder Jansen Harkins goes top cheds on Martin Jones at Boys of Summer league. Decent release. #winnipegjets pic.twitter.com/vZaNSHLeyy
— Wagon Hockey (@WagonHockey) August 22, 2019
Jansen Harkins more than doubled his rookie numbers with 31 points (15G, 16A) and finished tied for third on the #MBMoose in goals in 2018-19. #GoMooseGo pic.twitter.com/J0dBeP0yKB
— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) July 25, 2019
