Top 25 Under 25, #24: Ben Harpur
Despite falling two spots from last season, Ben Harpur managed to crack the top 25 once again.
Drafted 108th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators, Ben Harpur is a smooth skating, stay-at-home defenseman. Though not incapable of creating offense, his numbers throughout his years in the OHL tend to showcase him as more of a defensively gifted player.
By the end of his junior career, Harpur managed to hold a plus-59 rating through four seasons with the Guelph Storm and Barrie Colts.
With a Memorial Cup appearance under his belt and plenty of playoff experience in junior, Harpur will fit in just fine during his first year as a pro. Set to join the Binghamton Senators next season, Silver Seven's own Jeff Ulmer projected Harpur to be a regular in the lineup back in June. And the roster could be a lot less crowded depending on how much playing time Chris Wideman receives at the NHL level.
The 20-year-old Hamilton native is signed through the 2017-18 season. There's still plenty of time for Harpur to find his way and become an important player in the organization.
The Senators' blue line isn't exactly looking to be impenetrable in the coming years.