WIth great delight to many fans, the Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday the signing of their 2018 3rd round selection in defenceman Jordan Harris.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract with defenseman Jordan Harris (2021-22 to 2022-23). #GoHabsGo https://t.co/w6E1wEADxF
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 26, 2022
The 21 year old was eligible to sign a shorter contract than the typical 3 year entry level deals that rookies are normally submitted to, because of his age. The Canadiens are deciding to burn the first year of Harris’ contract and will renegotiate once he becomes a restricted free agent after the 2022-23 season.
There were lots of speculation regarding Harris’ desire to play with the Montreal Canadiens, or in the NHL in general. Since being drafted in 2018, Harris has repeatedly committed to his studies at Northeastern University. Turns out it might have been more than just education commitments that prevented Harris from signing with the Canadiens. According to Grant McCagg, Harris wanted nothing to do with former GM Marc Bergevin’s administration.
I may have to walk this back. Being told by more than one source that Harris wasn't going to sign with Bergevin in charge. We can speculate why...I'd rather not. Bevgevin is gone...it doesn't matter. So...credit goes to Jeff Kent after all if this is true. https://t.co/SC7eH3qnl2
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) March 26, 2022
Many stories have been leaked as to some of the poor decisions Marc Bergevin has taken during his time as the Montreal Canadiens’ general manager. The most glaring is of course the handling of player development. Players such as Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Max Domi, Charlie Lindgren, Michael McNiven and Michael McCarron just to name a few, have taken shots at their former team on the way the Canadiens would develop their players.
Many stories have surfaced as to how they were either put under a tremendous amount of pressure, or have been left to their own demise. Jordan Harris, wanted no part in that kind of treatment.
When teams were put into hotel bubbles during the 2020-21 playoffs, teams would go to lengths to get caterers to supply the players with the adequate nutrition needed in order to remain in peak shape. Canadiens players were left on their own and had to rely on Uber Eats more often than not.
These are just some of the many leaked stories that reportedly happened during the Bergevin regime.
On the topic of Harris, Luc Gelinas from RDS has confirmed that Kent Hughes will be bringing Harris to the team immediately. We remember Alexander Romanov was brought into the playoff bubble in a similar fashion once his season was completed. He didn’t play any games but practiced with the team and got to know everyone from the organization.
Martin St. Louis will decide when to play Harris, says Kent Hughes
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/hockey360/status/1508584827972464642?s=20&t=izoW_s_Sz98ty9tMOy3W1Q
Gelinas mentions the difference with Harris however is that he should be playing a few games between now and the end of the season. Definitely a perfect time to dip your toes into the NHL life and see if he is ready to play in the greatest hockey league in the world.
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