Once hailed as a promising young defenseman with a bright future in the NHL, Jordan Harris now finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

After years of anticipation and early flashes of potential with the Montreal Canadiens, Harris’s journey has taken a dramatic turn.

A series of trades, roster challenges, and mounting competition have left the 25-year-old facing an uncertain path as he joins the Boston Bruins on a one-year deal.

Despite his impressive collegiate track record and moments of steady play in Montreal, Harris’s recent struggles and the depth of Boston’s defensive lineup have cast doubt on his ability to secure a regular spot in the NHL.

With his future hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Harris to see if he can rise to the occasion, prove his critics wrong, and carve out a new chapter with the Bruins.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

A few years ago, expectations were high for Jordan Harris, and Montreal Canadiens fans were eager to see him join the team. Unfortunately, the situation is now very different for the 25-year-old defenseman, and things look tough after signing a contract with the Boston Bruins.

After seeing Jordan Harris put up 19 points in 19 games in the NCAA with Northeastern University, and 20 points the following year, it was hard not to have high hopes for the young defenseman.

Drafted in the 3rd round, 71st overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft, he showed plenty of promise, and everyone was excited to see him arrive in Montreal.

In his debut with the Canadiens during the 2021-22 season, Harris was relatively quiet, notching just one point-his first NHL goal-in 10 games.

He had some solid moments the following year with 17 points in 65 games. He seemed to be gaining confidence and wasn’t playing poorly. In 2023-24, he recorded 14 points in 56 games.

On August 19, 2024, Kent Hughes decided to trade him to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round pick. Unfortunately for Harris, this trade would significantly complicate his situation.

He was scratched multiple times by his new coach, Dean Evason, and finished with only 5 points in 33 games. At 25 years old, Harris now needs to find a way to bounce back.

Jordan Harris Could Be Facing a Tough Road With the Boston Bruins

On June 30, the Haverhill native learned that the Blue Jackets had chosen not to extend him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

He then decided to sign a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins, worth $825,000.

The only issue for Harris is that, according to projections from Daily Faceoff, if Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy are fully recovered from their injuries by the start of next season, there simply won’t be room for him.

In addition to Lindholm and McAvoy, the top six on defense is expected to include Nikita Zadorov, Henri Jokiharju, Mason Lohrei, and Andrew Peeke. That would make Jordan Harris the seventh defenseman-or he could be sent down to the AHL for the first time in his career.

We wish him all the best in Boston!