Jordan Harris has joined the Canadiens in Florida. When will he play his first match? That still remains to be determined.
Posted at 8:54 p.m.
That’s what Habs general manager Kent Hughes said after his first meeting of NHL general managers on Monday afternoon. He answered questions from the media on site in a press briefing broadcast by RDS.
Harris, who signed a two-year deal last Saturday, arrived in Florida on Monday. The Canadian will face the Panthers on Tuesday, but nothing says that the 21-year-old defender will be in uniform.
“It will be up to Martin [St-Louis] and the coaching staff to decide when they want to play him, like with [Justin] Barron and [William] Lagesson,” Hughes said.
“The reason we sent him directly here is to be part of practices, player meetings, [qu’il apprenne] the way we want to play. Even if you stay in the same league, when you change organizations and coaches, there is an adjustment to be made. »
In addition to the Panthers, the Canadian will face the Carolina Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Lightning this week. All three formations are among the top 10 on the circuit. It wouldn’t be surprising if the young defenseman didn’t take part in his first game until the team returned to Montreal on April 5, when the Ottawa Senators were visiting.
“Jordan is still a very mature guy and he’s preparing for the things that are coming,” Hughes said. It will be ready when the coaches will decide. »
Remember that the Habs only have 16 games to play this season and Harris is currently in the first year of his contract.
About Drouin and Price
Kent Hughes was also asked about the situation of Jonathan Drouin, injured in the wrist. The Quebecer will get a second medical opinion this week before making a decision on whether he needs surgery or not. “We are waiting for news,” said the DG.
As for Carey Price, his rehabilitation is delayed due to a virus. “I haven’t had any other news since Saturday. He is sick. As soon as he receives the go from the doctors, he will return to training. »
Hughes seemed pleased with his first GMs meeting, which he called a “good learning experience.” When asked by a reporter what mark he would like to leave on the Bettman circuit, the former player’s agent spoke of a “culture where people feel included and it’s fun to go to the arena” .
“Of course the players work under a lot of pressure, the coaches too, but that’s not to say that we have to put more pressure on them than the environment gives them,” he explained. .
“I want the players to feel part of a family. I don’t want to say it just to say it. Even Geoff Molson, I know he called Artturi Lehkonen, Brett Kulak. All the players who are traded, he takes the time to call them. I’m not sure it’s that everywhere in the league, but it’s a human side that I think is important. »