Columbus Blue Jackets: Scott Harrington is Lost in Defensive Depth
The Columbus Blue Jackets have incredible organizational depth on the blue line. That leaves Scott Harrington in a tough spot.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a young, dynamic core on the blue line. Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Ryan Murray, David Savard, Markus Nutivaara and Gabriel Carlsson all have playoff experience.
All are 26 or younger. Two of those players are 20-years-old. Throw in a veteran stalwart in Jack Johnson and the Jacket defense is arguable the best in the NHL.
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There are seven defenseman that are better than Scott Harrington. They all will be above Harrington in the depth chart at the start of the 2017 season. Not to mention Vladislov Gavrikov, who would be with the Columbus Blue Jackets if it wasn’t for the Olympics.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Harrington was a 2nd round pick in 2011. He is 24-years-old and has shown promise in the OHL, World Junior Championships, and the AHL. He has a solid future in the NHL as a bottom pairing defenseman who can be relied upon to eat minutes.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are (finally) in a place where they have top end talent and depth. A player like Harrington is just lost in the organization. Even if the Jackets trade Ryan Murray, Harrington is ready for the show with no spots opening up anytime soon.
Trade or Park in Cleveland
Scott Harrington has value. An above average skater that plays both ways could fetch a decent draft pick in a trade. Harrington could also be a nice addition to a larger trade for a player such as Matt Duchene.
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Cleveland would also benefit from having a player like Harrington on the roster. He is a leader that can show the players in the AHL what they need to do to get to the big leagues. Harrington is also well liked by Coach Tortorella. The way he carries himself is what the organization would like to see in Columbus.
I don’t think Harrington being the 7th or 8th defenseman and sitting in the press box does Harrington, or the organization any good. Throwing Harrington in to sweeten a deal for a stud scorer is the ideal scenario. Let’s hope we don’t just ship him away for a draft pick. Keep him in Cleveland or make him a part of a big deal.