Ben Harpur Bio
Ben Harpur is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Shanghai Dragons of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 108th overall, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Background
Ben Harpur was born on January 12, 1995, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and later raised in Niagara Falls. He attended A. N. Myer Secondary School during his formative years. Harpur initially played as a left-winger until a minor midget hockey team coach suggested he move to defence, a position change that would shape his career.
Harphur was born to parents Margery and George, with his father encouraging him to take skating lessons as a bonding experience. His mother, who was of Australian descent and had never played hockey, would often put Harpur’s equipment on backwards until he learned to dress himself. This supportive family environment helped nurture his early development in the sport.
Path to Professional Hockey
He was drafted by the Guelph Storm as a defenceman in the third round, 43rd overall, in the 2011 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Harpur recorded his first career OHL point, an assist, in a 10-2 win over the Erie Otters on October 1, 2011. He played three and a half seasons with the Storm from 2011 to 2014 before being traded to the Barrie Colts during the 2014-15 season.
After the 2012-13 season, Harpur was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. His consistent development in junior hockey earned him a three-year entry-level contract with the Senators on November 6, 2014, marking a significant step toward his professional career.
Ben Harpur Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Harpur made his professional debut with the Senators’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Binghamton Senators in 2015. During the 2015-16 season, he was called up to Ottawa and made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on March 31, 2016. In the 2016-17 season, Harpur again played most of the season with Binghamton but was called up to Ottawa for the NHL playoffs, making his playoff debut on April 17, 2017, against the Boston Bruins.
On February 9, 2018, Harpur signed a two-year, $1.45 million contract extension with the Senators. His performance continued to develop as he established himself as a reliable defensive presence with occasional offensive contributions, particularly during the 2017-18 season when he began to showcase his physical presence on the ice.
Ottawa Senators Breakthrough (2015-2019)
Harpur’s most significant achievement with the Senators came on December 1, 2018, in the first game back for Erik Karlsson since his trade to the San Jose Sharks. Harpur scored his first ever National Hockey League goal on Sharks goaltender Martin Jones, marking a career milestone in a meaningful contest. This goal represented his first contribution at the NHL level after several seasons of development in the AHL.
His time with the Senators was characterized by physical play and steady defensive contributions. While primarily known for his defensive responsibilities, Harpur began to demonstrate occasional offensive capabilities, particularly during the 2018-19 season before his departure from the organization.
Current Team Era (2025-Present)
In October 2025, Harpur inked a deal for the remainder of the season with the Shanghai Dragons of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), representing his first international contract after several seasons in North America. This move marks a significant transition in his career as he competes in one of Europe’s premier hockey leagues.
Shanghai Dragons represents a new opportunity for Harpur to bring his defensive experience and physical play style to an international stage. The move to the KHL comes after several seasons in various NHL organizations and represents a fresh start in his professional hockey journey at age 31.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ben Harpur is known for his imposing size at 6 feet 6 inches tall and physical play style. As a left-shot defenceman, he excels in defensive zone coverage and brings a strong presence along the boards. His size allows him to effectively protect his net and create challenges for opposing forwards. Harpur has developed into a reliable defensive defenceman who can contribute occasional offensive plays from the backend.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Harpur has represented multiple NHL organizations, including Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers. His first NHL goal in 2018 remains a career highlight, scored in a meaningful contest against the San Jose Sharks. Harpur has also shown adaptability by transitioning to the KHL for the 2025-26 season, demonstrating his versatility as a professional hockey player.
Ben Harpur Career Path
NHL Journey
After starting with the Ottawa Senators organization, Harpur was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. Unable to secure a regular NHL spot with Toronto, he was assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies before being traded to the Nashville Predators in February 2020. Harpur spent two seasons with the Predators organization before moving on to the New York Rangers in 2022. With the Rangers, he appeared in 17 NHL games during the 2022-23 season before signing a contract extension and later transitioning to Hartford Wolf Pack for the 2023-24 season.
International Opportunity
Harpur’s professional journey has taken him across multiple leagues, culminating in his move to the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL for the 2025-26 season. This transition represents his first opportunity to play internationally and compete against European players in one of the world’s most competitive hockey leagues. Harpur’s experience in the NHL provides valuable depth to the Shanghai Dragons’ defensive corps.
Ben Harpur Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Ben Harpur was born to parents Margery and George, with his father encouraging his early development in hockey. Growing up in a Canadian household where his mother was of Australian descent, Harpur was exposed to different cultural influences while developing his hockey skills. His parents supported his athletic journey from the beginning, with his father recognizing the bonding potential through skating lessons.
Personal Life
As a professional hockey player, Harpur has maintained a relatively private personal life. His development from a child putting on equipment backwards to an NHL and KHL professional reflects the dedication required to reach the highest levels of hockey. His journey from Hamilton, Ontario, to international competition in China showcases his commitment to the sport throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025-26 season, Ben Harpur joined the Shanghai Dragons of the Kontinental Hockey League, marking his first professional contract outside of North America. After being released by the Florida Panthers in October 2025, Harpur quickly secured a deal with the KHL franchise, demonstrating his continued value as a professional defenceman.
Playing in the KHL presents new challenges for Harpur, including adjusting to different styles of play, international competition, and a league that emphasizes physicality and skill. His NHL experience provides valuable insight that can benefit the Shanghai Dragons as they compete in one of Europe’s most prestigious hockey leagues. The 2025-26 season represents a new chapter in Harpur’s professional hockey career.