Montreal Canadiens 2018 draftee Jordan Harris will return to Northeastern University for his senior season. The 20-year-old has been doing well in the NCAA and many thought he could leave school and go pro, but he will return to school for a fourth and final season. The Canadiens retain Harris’ rights and can sign him after next season, but Harris will also have the option to become a free agent in August 2022.
Defenseman Jordan Harris will remain at Northeastern University next season to continue his development.#GoHabsGohttps://t.co/KBC9D9BbKi
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 22, 2021
Jordan Harris Stays in School
Harris has been one of the most productive players for Northeastern this year. He finishes the season with six goals and 19 points in 19 games. Both of those figures place him second on the team behind only Zach Solow. The total scoring is lower than it was in 2019-20, but the rate is much higher. Harris’s junior pace is point-per-game compared to .63 as a sophomore and his freshman rate of .33. His age is certainly a big factor, but it seems fair to say that Harris has simply improved overall.
The Canadiens originally drafted Harris in the third round of the 2018 draft as part of a huge class. He was part of the same group that includes current Montreal skaters Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Alexander Romanov. Harris’ profile looks solid for a second or third-pairing defender. He is listed at 5’11”, 179-pounds. His scouting reports project a strong skater who should be able to handle himself in a variety of situations.
What This Means For The Future
Montreal has a fairly deep blueline both this year and through 2021-22, but Harris may battle for a roster spot if signed in March 2022. The Canadiens will have several defencemen reach unrestricted free agency after next year, so that could create an opportunity for the young U.S. skater. He will have stiff competition in the system from others including Kaiden Guhle and Cale Fleury, but that’s something that will only motivate Harris to excel. Northeastern teammate and fellow Habs defence prospect Jayden Struble should also have a big role on the Huskies next year.
In the meantime he will return to Northeastern, looking to bring the team success after their disappointing 2020-21 season. The Huskies should be led by Harris, who could push himself into the Hobey Baker conversation with continued improvements in his game. When their 2022 season ends, it will be decision time for Harris, sign with Montreal and burn a year off his Entry-Level Deal, or wait until August and pursue free agency.
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