Jansen Harkins' situation serves as a cautionary tale about roster depth and the challenges of managing a crowded lineup. After a difficult experience last season, the Penguins aim to avoid repeating similar mistakes by ensuring they maintain enough NHL-ready depth while navigating the current surplus of forwards. Given the tense competition for spots, Harkins exemplifies how quickly players can find themselves on the fringes, emphasizing the need for more strategic roster decisions.