Belleville Senators Sign Scott Harrington
The Belleville Senators have officially added experienced defenseman Scott Harrington to their roster with a two-year contract in the American Hockey League (AHL). The announcement was made on Friday, bringing Harrington back to the league where he has made a significant impact throughout his career.
Harrington’s Career Overview
At 32 years old, Harrington adds a wealth of professional experience to the Senators. The Kingston native was a second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2011 NHL Draft and has appeared in 255 games at the National Hockey League (NHL) level. He has played for several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, with whom he spent a substantial part of his NHL career, as well as the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks. Additionally, Harrington has played in 247 games in the AHL.
General Manager’s Statement
In a statement, Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek expressed enthusiasm about bringing Harrington on board, noting that his resume not only features impressive hockey skills but also the leadership qualities that can help the team advance. “Scott’s impressive NHL career, character and leadership ability will all be keys in helping our group to take the next step,” Turek said.
As a local talent from Kingston, Harrington is expected to resonate well with fans and represent the Senators and the surrounding region admirably.
Achievements and International Play
Harrington’s history is marked by success, including winning an Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) championship with the Kingston Voyageurs and back-to-back Ontario Hockey League (OHL) titles as captain of the London Knights during the 2012-2013 season. He has also made contributions on the international stage, playing for Team Canada at various levels and helping secure several medals, including gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and silver at the World Under-17 Championship.
Recent Seasons and Future Prospects
The last NHL season for Harrington was the 2022-2023 season, during which he had opportunities to play alongside Erik Karlsson for the San Jose Sharks before being part of a significant trade involving Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils subsequently waived him, and he was claimed by Anaheim. In a previous season, Harrington was acquired as part of the high-profile trade that sent Phil Kessel from Toronto to Pittsburgh, which marked a significant milestone as he made the Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening night roster for the 2015-2016 season.
Harrington ventured overseas two seasons ago for a stint in Switzerland, where he faced challenges due to injuries. However, he bounced back to help the Zurich Lions win a championship in 2024, joining forces with former Senators players Rudolfs Balcers and Derek Grant. Following his return to North America, he signed a one-year contract with the AHL affiliate Springfield last season before committing to the Belleville Senators for the upcoming campaign.
Other News from the Ottawa Senators
In other news from the Ottawa Senators, notable headlines include a strong season opener performance by rookie Pinto, discussions around the team’s direction under Travis Green, and some roster moves involving players sent to the minors and placed on the injured reserve list.