National Hockey League veteran Jordan Harris of Haverhill is on the move.
After two seasons as a top defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, Harris has been dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for Patrik Laine — the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft — and a 2026 second round pick.
“I was a little surprised when I got the call that I had been traded,” said Harris in an interview on the Columbus website (nhl.com/bluejackets). “But I’m very excited. It seems like a great group and a great environment in Columbus. This seems like a hungry group, and a young team, that is looking to prove itself. That falls right in line with exactly where I am in my career. I’ve played a couple years (in the NHL), but I feel like I still have a lot to give.”
Harris had been a member of the Canadiens organization since he was selected in the third round — No. 71 overall — in the 2018 NHL draft. He quickly rose as high as the No. 4 overall prospect and top defensive prospect in the organization.
The blueliner joined Montreal’s NHL roster in late 2022, immediately after completing his stellar career at Northeastern University. He appeared in 10 games with the Habs that season, tallying his first career NHL goal.
Harris’ best pro season came in 2022-23. He appeared in 65 games, notching four goals and 13 assists, averaging 18:36 of ice time. That spring, he was the Canadiens’ finalist for the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given annually, “To the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
Injuries limited Harris to 56 games last winter, playing his final game on April 15. He recorded three goals and 11 assists.
“In your first couple season of professional hockey, you just think about the hockey aspect of it,” said Harris in that interview. “But there is so much more that goes into it. There’s the travel, there’s playing double the games I played in college. The social aspect is different with older guys. It’s a big adjustment. But now that I have a better feeling for how the league is and have some games under my belt, I really feel like the next step in what I want to do is showcase what I can do as a player.
“As a defenseman, I’m not the biggest defenseman, but there are a lot of tools I can use to defend hard and join the rush. Offensively, I want to continue to add to my game without taking away from my strengths as a defenseman. There is more that I can show, and I’m excited to show it.”
Harris now heads to the Blue Jackets in exchange for Laine, who spent four rocky seasons in Columbus.
“I played here (in Columbus) my rookie year, and it was an unbelievable experience,” said Harris. “The atmosphere, the cannon, the excitement, it just seems very rowdy and a great place to play. I’ve heard great things about the area and the organization, so I’m definitely excited.”
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