Former Leafs defenseman signs PTO with the St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues announced Monday that the club has signed Scott Harrington, Matthew Peca, Nikita Alexandrov, and Sam Bitten to player tryout agreements for the 2024-25 training camp. These PTOs give all a chance to flex their skills with the hope of making the Blues' roster.

Scott Harrington is a veteran defenseman who is 31 years old with considerable NHL experience. This past season, Harrington suited up with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League. The big defender scored four points in 14 regular-season games and added two points in six games during the postseason, with many coming at big moments, which matters most.

Before spending the past season in Europe, Harrington last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season, split between the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. He was dealt to the New Jersey Devils in the blockbuster deal that was part of the Timo Meier trade, only to be claimed off of waivers by the Ducks a mere two days later.

In 255 games between the Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks, Scott Harrington has gathered 49 points. A safe bet on D, what Harrington would bring to a team is versatility with an abundance of experience.

Scott Harrington signed with the Maple Leafs during the 2015-16 season. Acquired by the Leafs in a trade from the Penguins in the deal that sent Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh, Harrington played much of that season in a depth role and often moved up and down between the NHL and the AHL's Toronto Marlies. He had limited time in Toronto, but he gained respect from coaches and teammates for good defensive play and accepting whatever role he needed to play.

That would indeed be the case, as he was waived by the Leafs and claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team with which he would later find consistency over a number of seasons. Even though Scott Harrington's stint with the Leafs might have been short, it was an important transitional point in his NHL career as he grew into a reliable defenseman.

The St. Louis Blues are hoping he can be that reliable guy in training camp if he wants a chance at earning a roster spot.