Lightning Placed Forward Jansen Harkins on Waivers

The team moved the veteran forward to waivers after he appeared in one game for the club this season.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hockey

Lightning Placed Forward Jansen Harkins on Waivers

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The Tampa Bay Lightning placed forward Jansen Harkins on waivers on October 6, 2026. The 29-year-old player appeared in one game for the team this season before the roster move.

Why it matters

The organization decided to place Harkins on waivers because it did not expect him to be a consistent contributor for the team. If he clears the 24-hour waiver process, he can be assigned to the AHL Syracuse roster.

Jansen Harkins has accumulated 18 goals and 27 assists over his 306-game NHL career. Throughout those appearances, the 6-foot-2 forward has recorded 414 hits and 120 blocks.

The players

Jansen Harkins

He is a professional hockey player who has played 306 career NHL games for the Jets, Penguins, Ducks, and Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning

This is a professional NHL team based in Florida that competes in the Atlantic Division.

The details

Harkins, who was a second-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, has previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Anaheim Ducks. The Lightning expects to know his official status by Wednesday afternoon.

October 6, 2026: Lightning placed Jansen Harkins on waivers.
October 7, 2026: The 24-hour waiver process is expected to conclude.

Season Trajectory

This roster move reflects the Lightning's current efforts to manage depth and align its lineup for the 2026-2027 season. Clearing space often provides teams with the flexibility needed to rotate players between the NHL and AHL affiliate levels.

Harkins will be eligible for assignment to AHL Syracuse if he is not claimed by another team within 24 hours. The outcome of the waiver process will determine whether he remains in the Lightning's immediate organizational depth chart.

The takeaway

The waiver process is a standard mechanism for teams to reallocate player assignments across their minor league affiliates. Fans should monitor league reports to see if the forward continues his professional career in the AHL or with a new NHL club.