(Tampa) Jordan Harris started his lap in front of the mic by quoting the obvious: “This is a dream come true…”
Posted at 4:34 p.m.
That’s right, no doubt as much for him as for the fans, who will finally see this long-awaited moment, Saturday night in Tampa: Jordan Harris, on skates, and for the first time in the uniform of the Canadiens.
It is little to affirm that it is expected at the bend. Ever since the Canadiens drafted him with a third-round pick in 2018, this Northeastern University defenseman has been the subject of the wildest speculation: will he be the next Bobby Orr, the next Raymond Bourque, the next Paul Coffey?
Very hard to say, but in the meantime, he will settle for being the first Jordan Harris.
“I’m ready, he replied Friday afternoon after training in the suburbs of Tampa. I think my game has improved in the last year, and I feel more prepared to take the next step. I am certainly more confident, and I understand the game better as a whole. I have become tougher to face and I am proud of my defensive game. »
For this great first, the young man will be thrown into the fray against an opponent who is not easy: the Tampa Bay Lightning, two-time defending Stanley Cup champion. If we wanted to give Jordan Harris a little easy game to start his professional career, well, it’s missed.
Which doesn’t seem to shake him too much, mind you.
“Yes, you could call it being thrown into the mouth of the wolf… but I am very enthusiastic about it, he replied. It’s a very talented formation, and I’m only going to try to do my best to help the team… I didn’t really know when I was going to play that first game, I was just trying to stay ready. I was hoping to join the training on this trip, so yes, I’m very excited. »
Martin St-Louis wouldn’t identify Jordan Harris’ partner for Saturday’s game, saying he was going to play with a “veteran.” That could mean a player like David Savard, depending on what he was allowed to see Friday in training. To make room for Harris, Chris Wideman will be dropped from the lineup.
In the eyes of St. Louis, there is no doubt that Jordan Harris is ready for his first big game after four seasons in American college hockey.
“We want to integrate him quietly into training, explained the coach. It gives him an opportunity to be on the ice with the guys, to take part in a game, we made video with him to show him how we play… he’s been with us for three or four days, and I think he understands what we’re doing. It puts him in a position where he’s more willing to be successful. »
It remains to be seen whether the young man will be fresh and available. Already, Friday during the day, Harris acknowledged that sleep was probably going to be difficult to obtain in sufficient quantity on the eve of this great moment, Saturday evening in Tampa.
“I probably won’t sleep!” “, he launched, laughing. And very honestly, too.
A special comeback for St-Louis
Martin St-Louis returns to Tampa as the enemy coach, but for him, it’s kind of like a homecoming first and foremost. “I grew up here as a young adult, it’s always special when I come to Tampa, it’s part of my life, part of me,” he explained. I was myself as a player with the Lightning, I think, it’s the best way to live your life. I know I’ve been very demanding with my teammates and coaches here, but it was always to achieve the bigger goal. »
Gallagher on the ice, Caufield in the spotlight
Brendan Gallagher is back with the team and took part in Friday afternoon practice in suburban Tampa, having not played since March 17. Gallagher is not expected to play Saturday night. Another forward, Ryan Poehling, is expected to play against the Lightning on Saturday night, replacing Laurent Dauphin. Additionally, Cole Caufield was named NHL Rookie of the Month. In 15 games in March, the small forward collected 15 points.