One of the CH's top prospects continues to make fans dream in the NCAA
The 2018 draft was not as successful as one would have thought for the Habs. Selecting third in the draft, you would have thought that the Tricolore would finally get around to selecting their franchise player. However, Jesperi Kotkaniemi did not develop as many had hoped and he is now owned by the Carolina Hurricanes.
In addition to KK, the CH staff selected two other very promising prospects in the second round: Alexander Romanov and Jesse Ylonen. Unfortunately, both young players are slow to blossom and make a positive impact with the big club.
To save the 2018 crop, there may be one diamond still on the NCAA side and his name is Jordan Harris. In 11 games with the Northeastern Huskies, the left-handed defenseman has nine points on two goals and seven assists. While leading his team in scoring, he has maintained a +8 rating so far this campaign.
Harris is dominating in the U.S. college ranks, there's no doubt about it. According to Grant McCagg, a former scout for the CH during the Bob Gainey era, the Tricolore's 2018 third-round pick is ready to play in the NHL. According to his coach, he was even ready last year!
But why wait before graduating him to the big club? The problem is that Jordan Harris still hasn't reached an agreement with the CH. The American defenseman wanted to return for another season in the NCAA.
However, time is running out for Marc Bergevin. The general manager of the Tricolore must agree with Harris by August 15, 2022. Otherwise, he will be free as a bird and will be able to sign with any other team in the Bettman circuit.
It would be a shame to lose such a promising prospect for absolutely nothing... Especially since the Habs clearly need a defenseman like Jordan Harris now and for years to come!
