Harrison spent most of last season bouncing between the Canes’ second and third defensive pairings, and finished with 15 points (4G, 11A) in 68 games, the second-highest total of his four-year career in Carolina. Unfortunately, he averaged roughly 16½ minutes of game time last year, marking the second consecutive season that his average ice time declined, down from a high of 20:33 two seasons ago – although interestingly enough, he was used more on the power play last season (1:01 average TOI), where he registered a career-high six points (1G, 5A). Overall, Harrison has become more of an energy player than a scorer, ranking fourth on the team last year in both hits (141) and PIM (44). He is likely to reprise a similar role this upcoming season, and thus, offers very little by way of fantasy value to anyone outside of ultra-deep formats that count secondary stat categories.
Harrison finished last season with three goals, seven assists in 47 games. Unfortunately, he also finished with a concussion, an injury he suffered after taking a puck to the face in the second-to-the-last game of the season against the Rangers. Assuming no ill effects, he should once again open the season as one of the 'Canes' top six defenders, however he plays mostly in a shutdown role most nights and does not provide a lot of offensive upside.
Harrison has only found a role as an everyday NHL player in the last two seasons, despite being drafted by Toronto in the third round seven years ago. Though he posted career highs in both goals and assists in 2011-2012 with nine and 23, respectively, he simply does not do enough to warrant a spot in all but the deepest of leagues.
Harrison had a solid season for Carolina last year as a stay-at-home defenseman. At 6-foot-4, he has the frame to thrive as a nice counterpart to a more puck-moving rearguard like teammate Jamie McBain. Harrison's physical presence will be necessary for Carolina to compete in a Southeast Division that includes offensive stars Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Alex Ovechkin, to name a few.
Harrison will again be a depth/role player for the for the Hurricanes in the 2010-11 season. He doesn't get many opportunities with the puck, however, making him devoid of any fantasy value unless your league's scoring system is grossly concentrated on penalty minutes.
Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford made no secret of his desire to size up the roster ahead of the 2009-10 season. While Harrison is not an ideal option in fantasy hockey, at 6-foot-3, 200, he adds a bigger body to the ‘Canes defensive corps. Still, he’s more of a depth player.
Harrison is a nice, servicable defender whose potential is supressed in Toronto -- there are too many guys for the number of jobs. Some day, some where, he'll come close to 30 points. But that time is a long way off.
Physical young blueliner has a little bit of offense in his game, but may not have the foot speed to be anything more than a depth NHL defenseman.
