Harpur stepping into void left by Phaneuf

A week ago, Ben Harpur was a tweener: on a yoyo between the National and American Hockey Leagues, wondering and waiting when his next chance with the Ottawa Senators would come. Oh, how things have changed, in what he describes as a “roller-coaster ride.”

On Friday, the Senators signed the 23-year-old Harpur to a guaranteed NHL contract for the next two seasons, paying US$650,000 in 2018-19 and $800,000 in 2019-20 and seemingly cementing his short-term future.

Then came the whirlwind of the past few days. After Dion Phaneuf was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday and Harpur played for Belleville on Wednesday, he was recalled to take Phaneuf ’s spot. In more ways than one. Harpur, who was to step into Phaneuf ’s former slot on defence beside Cody Ceci for Thursday’s home game against the Buffalo Sabres, also took Phaneuf ’s spot in the dressing room beside captain Erik Karlsson.

“Learning from him, the experience he brought, with all the teams he had played for, dealing with a lot of adversity … (Phaneuf ) had a lot to offer for a young guy,” Harpur said. “For guys like (Thomas) Chabot and me, an experience like that is invaluable.”

Where exactly the Senators go in their next phase remains in question, but the 6-6, 222-pound Harpur figures to be a part of it.

Harpur showed his poise and potential in the playoffs last spring, particularly during the first-round series against the Boston Bruins, registering two assists in nine post-season games, but was inconsistent in his previous NHL call-ups this season. The key for him to become a regular is to play physically, using his size as much as possible.

Nobody’s asking him to replace Phaneuf overnight but, if he can display even a shred of Phaneuf ’s mean streak in battles in front of the net and along the boards, he’ll enhance his chances of becoming a fulltime NHLer.

“I don’t even know how many times I’ve been up and down now,” Harpur said.

For the record, Thursday’s recall was his fifth of the season.

“I just look at it as all part of the process.”

Confidence also comes from the confidence the Senators showed by signing him to the new contract.