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After taking a regular shift in 2018-19 and turning it into a career-high 17 points, Harrington only suited up for 39 games last year, although he did maintain his modest per-game scoring pace. The 27-year-old is a useful enough blueliner, but he doesn't have the skills to be anything more than a bottom-pairing defender -- fortunately, that's all the Jackets need him to be. His NHL experience will give him an edge on prospects like Andrew Peeke and Gabriel Carlsson to win a bottom-pairing spot in camp, but Harrington could again find himself sliding into the press box if one of those younger players takes a step forward in their development.
A rugged player with good size, Harrington offers a stay-at-home depth option for a Blue Jackets blue line that has plenty of offensive-minded defensemen. The 26-year-old suited up for a career-high 73 games last year and acquitted himself well, but his 17 points are probably about his ceiling. Harrington could stand to be a little more aggressive and use his frame better, but on a roster which features an all but guaranteed absence from Ryan Murray at some point, there should be plenty of ice time available for Harrington on a bottom pairing.
The 25-year-old is a classic stay-at-home defenseman, using his size to clear the crease and fight for pucks in the corners, but Harrington has never shown even a flicker of offensive instinct in either the AHL or NHL. Jack Johnson's exit from Columbus does open up a regular spot on the second or third pairing, and while Harrington will be fighting for that job in training camp, his lack of upside could keep him locked in a depth role, if not see him leapfrogged entirely by a younger blueliner with a similar skill set such as Gabriel Carlsson or Ryan Collins.
Though he lacks the offensive upside of fellow Penguins defense prospect Derrick Pouliot, Harrington could be the first of the duo to arrive in the NHL, thanks to hockey smarts that are beyond his 21 years. As an effective puck-mover and a defensively-responsible blueliner, Harrington and his solid all-around game could make an appearance with the Penguins at some point in 2014-15, though likely not immediately out of training camp. Once he reaches the NHL, don't expect him to ascend to fantasy relevance right away, but he could develop into a consistent 25- or 30-point scorer over time.
Harrington is one of Pittsburgh's top prospects. The London Knights' defender will spend his first professional season with Wilkes-Barre in 2013-14. Harrington has netted only three goals in each of his last two seasons in the OHL, but collected 26 points in 44 games in 2011-12 and 19 points in 50 contests last year. He doesn't have the offensive upside of fellow defensive prospect, Derrick Pouliot, but has gained a reputation for his leadership skills. Harrington did score a goal in two playoff contests with the Baby Penguins. He's worthy of a flier in keeper fantasy leagues, but his value might be greater to his actual team than to fantasy poolies.
The Pens' second-round draft pick in 2011, Harrington is one of the organization's strongest two-way defenseman in the system. The London Knights' product scored three goals and 26 points in 44 OHL games. He also has experience playing for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships, where he excelled until the Gold medal game. Throw in his Memorial Cup background and Harrington has the pedigree any aspiring NHLer might want. He'll begin his professional career with the Wilkes-Barre Baby Pens in the fall in the AHL.
Harrington will learn his trade in the OHL for the London Knights again in 2011-12. He wowed onlookers during the Pens' prospect camp in July with his offensive awareness. Harrington, who is just 18 years of age, skates well and can lead rushes up ice. He needs work in his own end, however, but has plenty of time to improve his game. Pittsburgh's 2011 second-round pick signed a three-year entry level contract and has a chance to see time with the Penguins several years down the line.