Penguins select “smooth skating” defenseman Scott Harrington in second round

Pens add two-way defenseman in second round

The Pittsburgh Penguins go defense once again, selecting defenseman Scott Harrison with the 54th overall selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The 6-foot-0, 200-pounder is the 99th ranked player (North American Skater) according to Central Scouting.

For the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, Harrington had 6 goals and 22 points in 67 games played.

Harrington is another “smooth skating” defenseman with great vision that the Penguins are drawn to.

However, he’s more of a two-way defenseman that cleans up his end well but is good on the breakout due to his skating and vision which is why scouts see potential offensive upside in him.

One scout tells me he labels Harrington as more of a “two-way” defenseman than a true puck moving defenseman. He’s not great in any particular area but is solid on both ends, along with capabilities on the power play and penalty kill, according to a junior league scout.

Harrington had a very good Under 18 championships with Canada, where he logged lots of ice in all situations.

Some scouts are said to be down on him because his ability to skate and move the puck hasn’t resulted in production offensively.