The Rise of Finn Harding
The Pittsburgh Penguins are witnessing a significant surge in their defensive prospects, with one player, Finn Harding, emerging as a standout performer following a remarkable season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). After being drafted in the seventh round by the Penguins in 2024, Harding has now established himself as a notable player in the organization.
Impressive Season Performance
In the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-2 defenseman showcased his skills with the Brampton Steelheads, where he not only excelled in defense but also demonstrated unexpected offensive prowess. Finishing the season with an impressive 57 points and seven goals in 67 games, Harding ranked eighth among OHL defensemen in scoring. His playmaking abilities were further highlighted when he set a new single-season assists record for a defenseman at Brampton, tallying 50 assists, and earned a stellar plus-46 rating, placing him seventh in the league overall.
Commitment to Improvement
Harding’s transition into a well-rounded player comes after dedicated training over the summer, where he focused on enhancing his game beyond his defensive roots.
“I’ve always been recognized for my defensive play, but I really wanted to expand my skills and contribute offensively as well,” said Harding. “Last year, I put a lot of effort into improving my transitional game, which has certainly paid off.”
Notably, he had a successful partnership with standout teammate Porter Martone, who claimed 98 points during the same season. However, it was Harding’s commitment on the ice that caught the attention of the Penguins’ management. Tom Kostopoulos, the Penguins’ director of player development, praised Harding’s adaptability, noting he faced various responsibilities on the ice, including power play and penalty kill situations.
“Throughout the season, he learned to defend aggressively and handle the puck with more confidence,” Kostopoulos explained. “He really took advantage of every opportunity presented to him.”
Areas for Growth
Despite his success, Harding recognizes that there are areas for improvement, particularly in his skating speed as the game continues to evolve.
“Skating is essential in today’s fast-paced game. The ability to keep up and effectively defend against speedy forwards is crucial,” he acknowledged.
Looking Ahead
As the Penguins’ Prospect Development Camp commenced, 48 young players gathered, including Harding, who is eyeing a potential transition to the American Hockey League (AHL) this season. With the organization in a period of rebuilding and integrating younger talent into the roster, Harding appreciates the constructive environment the Penguins provide. He asserted,
“We’re all pushing each other to get better and help the NHL team succeed. The staff is great at helping us develop, but it’s on us to come in with determination every day.”
As the Penguins look toward the future, Harding aims to continue leveraging his breakout season to establish himself as a key player for the franchise.
Following the NHL Draft, General Manager Kyle Dubas may have opted for quantity in player selection, but that strategy seemingly hasn’t compromised quality, particularly with emerging talents like Harding contributing to the team’s depth.
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