Ben Harpur, 2022 UFA
2021 Cap Hit: $800K
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Predators re-sign Ben Harpur on the cheap once again and keep him primarily in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals. With that said, I’d rather just move on from him and wish him best of luck elsewhere.
Harpur has had ample NHL opportunities for the Predators, but has caught notice for way more bad than good. His playing time on the NHL did dwindle significantly this past season after playing in 34 of 56 regular season games in 2020-21, but only 19 of 82 regular season games this past season.
The writing seems to be on the wall that it’s time to fill that depth role with someone else who can trust more when injuries occur and you have to call someone up. That’s the replacement for Harpur you’re looking for if he isn’t brought back. Shouldn’t be that hard to find that replacement.
Harpur is 27-years-old and notched 53 games for the Predators over the past two seasons, while also appearing in five playoff games for Nashville. Other than dishing out some big hits, he never produced much that warrants keeping him even for a minimum deal.