Canadiens expected to sign Northeastern captain Jordan Harris

After a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful game against Western Michigan, Jordan Harris and the rest of Northeastern’s season is over. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Harris is now expected to sign with the Montreal Canadiens, a two-year entry-level contract that will start this season, allowing him to enter the lineup down the stretch.

Harris, 21, was picked by the Canadiens in 2018, 71st overall, and could potentially become an unrestricted free agent should he fail to sign with them by Aug. 15. That seemed unlikely even before Kent Hughes became general manager but especially now given his long history with the young defenseman. Riley Hughes, Kent’s son, has played with Harris for many years, including for the last three at Northeastern, where they were also joined this season by his other son Jack Hughes, a top prospect for the 2022 draft.

There was actually a lot of chatter about Harris last year, but he eventually decided to return for his senior season, where he was once again outstanding. The slightly undersized defenseman had five goals and 20 points in 38 games and served as captain of the Huskies. He was named Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman and to the conference First All-Star Team. A Hobey Baker nominee once again, he should step almost directly into the Montreal lineup, if even for a handful of games after the contract is over.

He’s not the only top prospect on Northeastern who could sign soon. Devon Levi also put the finishing touches on one of the greatest goaltending seasons in NCAA history and will now have to choose whether or not to turn pro and join the Buffalo Sabres organization. Levi, 20, had a .952 save percentage in 31 appearances, tying Connor Hellebuyck for the second-best number since 2000 at the college level. (Jimmy Howard’s .956 for the University of Maine is first.)

Others, like Vancouver Canucks prospect Aidan Mcdonough and Anaheim Ducks prospect Sam Colangelo, will also have to make a decision on whether or not to turn pro.