Injured forward Jansen Harkins to begin conditioning stint in AHL

There's good news on the injury front regarding Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Jansen Harkins.
Seth Rorabaugh from Tribune-Review Sports just dropped some news about the 26 year-old. When he suffered a hand injury in March, it was viewed he'd be out long-term.

Yet now, Harkins is about to kick off a conditioning stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Penguins' AHL affiliate. He's got some profound experience in the AHL, with over 200 games under his belt, so he's no stranger to the league.



He's been working, hitting the ice solo for some skates, and even joining some optional practice with his teammates. Recently, he's been given the green light for complete contact.


Unfortunately, he won't be joining Pittsburgh's playoff push just yet. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Harkins will head down to the AHL to return to the groove.

Now, Harkins hasn't had the smoothest ride in the NHL this season. Yet in Scranton, he has four goals and nine points in just 11 games. Yet he has no goals in 43 NHL games.
The team needs players who can step up, and Harkins hasn't quite hit that mark yet.

The Penguins have been using these conditioning stints effectively this season, so who knows? Maybe this stint will be just what Harkins needs to find his groove again!