Player Discussion Big Ben Harpur

[JungleBeat]

He’s probably a lock to make the team with his contract and our current depth. What’re your expectations for him. I see him being a 6th defencman if things go right.

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[danielpalfredsson]

I think he's a career bottom pair D, but crazier things have happened. He's only 24 in Jan.

I think they have him pegged as our #4 D this season. Given our current D core, he should have a major opportunity to play bigger minutes than might be available to him if he were on an average NHL team.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Nice mobility and solid passer for a big guy. Had some strong games for Ottawa, and some where he looked lost. I think he probably sits as a 3rd pairing, but you never know. Maybe if something clicks, he might sneak in as a #4.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

He's bottom pair level now. I think he has some upside.

 

[BonkTastic]

Looked like the natural main roster replacement for Borowiecki in the '17 playoffs.
Looked like a 2nd pairing AHL defenceman last season, at best. He was really, really bad,

Not holding my breath that he becomes anything more than a 6/7 guy at the NHL level, but the potential is there to carve out a career as a bottom pairing guy. He's not there yet though, IMO.

 

[armani]

7th defencman who will swap duties with Wolanin & Wideman.

He won't just wake up and become a Chara. What we see is what he is. For a big guy he doesn't use his size, but it's his hockey sense/decision making that is not quite regular-duty NHL level yet.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I worry he may get put in a role he can't handle and look worse because of it, but if handled correctly, I think he can carve out a career as a solid bottom pairing Dman.

 

[L'Aveuglette]

If Harpur is a lock than we are in even deeper trouble than I thought.

I see him as a 7th dman who will spend most of his time in the stands. Can't believe they gave him a one-way contract.

Actually, this is Dorion's work so I can 100% believe it. Nevermind.

 

[Do Make Say Think]

A 7th dman, maybe a 6

 

[scallionjj11]

He'll fill in as a capable 6th or 7th D-man, too bad he's really soft with the size he has.

 

[mysens]

7th. No better, at this time, usually you are able to see the development and progression of players. I don't think he will be better than this.

 

[ottawah]

I worry he may get put in a role he can't handle and look worse because of it, but if handled correctly, I think he can carve out a career as a solid bottom pairing Dman.

I mostly agree with this but would OK instead of solid (and for a poor team at that). Corsi numbers were OK for his deployment and competition, but would indicate he is not ready to move up from a third pairing role. Offense is 1/10th of Cecis so minimal expectations there.

Basically he is keeping the spot warm until the team has more capable players ready to go. I see the LD (after Chabot) consisting of Harpur, Boro and Wolanin. One of those third pairing will have to play 2nd pairing.

 

[God Says No]

He took a step back last year. He looked great (for the most part) during the playoff run. But last year he was making some glaring mistakes. I think he's a 6/7 tweener.

 

[Korpse]

He'll fill in as a capable 6th or 7th D-man, too bad he's really soft with the size he has.

I definitely wouldn't call him soft. At one point they had to tell him to focus on playing hockey rather than all the extra stuff, I think he hasn't been comfortable at the NHL level yet. He has the tools to carve out a successful career, he has yet to put it all together yet. If he ever finds some confidence and actually believes he belongs, I suspect he will surprise a lot of people.

 

[slamigo]

I’m optimistic that he will find his role and be a solid 5-6. He’s shown lots of upside before and I believe he will be fine.

 

[coladin]

Hoping he regains the form he showed in the playoffs

 

[aragorn]

IMO he could be a 3rd pairing D-Man in the NHL or he could play higher in the lineup if his size & toughness are required. He is a left shot but can play either side & spent one yr on the right side while playing with Englund in Belleville. If he continues to play well with Chabot & has the size & toughness to protect Chabot when required I would be fine with him playing on that first pairing more consistently. Or on the second pairing with Lajoie who could use someone with a little more toughness as a partner.

Given how much ice time Chabot gets I imagine that all of the defencemen get some ice time with him. Harpur has some offence to his game as well as he proved with Guelph & leading the rookie tournament in scoring one yr. He's a decent skater for his size & can play a tougher role, he just needs more experience to cut down on the rookie mistakes & become more confident in his role.

 

[Melgene Eunyk]

Does anyone know what's happening with Harpur? He came in, played really well for a few games, got hurt, and I haven't heard anything since.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Does anyone know what's happening with Harpur? He came in, played really well for a few games, got hurt, and I haven't heard anything since.

Back injury ,, has not been practicing yet as far as I know. Likely close

 

[coladin]

Does anyone know what's happening with Harpur? He came in, played really well for a few games, got hurt, and I haven't heard anything since.

He did play really well

 

[Melgene Eunyk]

Shout out to harps. He's been playing really well recently, and our team has been better defensively this year while he's been in the lineup.
I'm a huge proponent of him being a potential too 4 D. He has the size, reach, and skating to go along with it. Recently he's been showing he can bring a real edge, too. If he can cut down on some mental errors and adjust, he could be really good.

 

[Sensmileletsgo]

Shout out to harps. He's been playing really well recently, and our team has been better defensively this year while he's been in the lineup.
I'm a huge proponent of him being a potential too 4 D. He has the size, reach, and skating to go along with it. Recently he's been showing he can bring a real edge, too. If he can cut down on some mental errors and adjust, he could be really good.

Well said. The mental errors have always been my biggest concern with him. Hopefully they go away as he gets more comfortable and familiar with the NHL

 

[Sensinitis]

He's turning out to be what we wished Cowen would become... Good for him. Keep it up Benny!

 

[Burrowsaurus]

He's turning out to be what we wished Cowen would become... Good for him. Keep it up Benny!

It’s been one game. Let’s hope he plays exactly how he did last night tonight

 

[Erik Alfredsson]

Guy has been a monster for a few games now. Love seeing him finally use his size and strength. Dude is a scary guy when he wants to bee.