The Canadian | Jordan Harris can’t wait for it to begin

Jordan Harris confesses: he doesn’t remember “not too much” of Stéphane Robidas’ career on the ice.

Simon Olivier Lorange
The Press

We could gently point out to the American that he was still 14 years old when the Quebecer hung up his skates. That Robidas played more than 900 games… and that he was a defender, like him.

Let’s give Harris the benefit of the doubt, though. Especially since immediately after the appointment of Robidas as assistant coach responsible for defenders, he hastened to learn a little more about him.

“He’s had quite a career, I can’t wait to hear what he has to say,” Harris said last Tuesday on the sidelines of the Gagné-Bergeron Pro-Am, a charity event presented at the Videotron Center in Quebec City. .

Above all, he indicates that he expects to learn from him. A lot. Robidas, in fact, has already made a phone call to his new protege last week. The conversation was not long, fifteen minutes at most. But the call frankly made Harris happy. “It means a lot to me,” he said.

“I asked him for advice as I approached my first training camp; he told me to be myself, trust my instincts and build on my strengths. I can’t wait to meet him. »

” Hungry ”

When Robidas was hired, he explained that his mandate was primarily to oversee the development of the organization’s many young defensemen, whether they were those about to make the leap to pros – Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj – or those who have already tasted the NHL. This includes Mattias Norlinder, Justin Barron and, of course, Jordan Harris.

The latter concluded his stint at Northeastern University last season and agreed with CH at the end of the campaign. In 10 games, he collected a point and spent just over 16 minutes on the ice on average.

Even if his baptism of fire is behind him, several new experiences await him soon. The rules in force in the NCAA, American university circuit, prevent drafted players from taking part in rookie camps or training camps for their NHL team. These two meetings in September will therefore be unheard of for him.

Getting a taste of the best league in the world will make him a particularly ‘hungry’ player heading into the start of the season.

He says he doesn’t have any specific goals in mind other than to “work hard” and tackle “day-to-day things.” “I know it’s cliché, but it’s true,” he says, smiling.

It will be “an honor” to land a position “in Montreal or Laval,” he said again, aware that he could start the season in the American League. Both at the CH and within its school club, the available positions promise to be numerous.

“I played big minutes at Northeastern in the past, I’m ready for all eventualities,” he adds.

Montembeault, Matheson, Dadonov

Goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault was also at the Pro-Am Gagné-Bergeron. His mere presence on the ice was in a way the confirmation that he had regained his health.

After the end of the season last spring, he underwent wrist surgery. For a few days, he no longer feels any stiffness, he said, assuring that he will be “100%” in shape at training camp.

The hierarchy in place at the Habs theoretically gives him the position of third goaltender behind Carey Price and Jake Allen, but the uncertainty surrounding Price’s health could, again this season, be worth quality ice time to the Quebecer. However, he has not received any information so far from the organization.

Montembeault, moreover, had good words for Mike Matheson, defender obtained this summer from the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for Jeff Petry. The two crossed paths at the Florida Panthers a few years ago.

“He’s a really nice guy, a very good skater, succinctly described the goalkeeper. I can’t wait to see him play. »

Evgenii Dadonov is another newcomer who is talked about very little. The 33-year-old right-winger arrived in Montreal following the trade that sent Shea Weber to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jonathan Marchessault rubbed shoulders with the Russian in Vegas and, without being rave reviews, he described a “good player” coupled with an “honest worker”, both on the ice and in the gymnasium.

The Knights winger recalled that Dadonov enjoyed great offensive success with the Panthers a few years ago, scoring three consecutive seasons of 25-28 goals.

“He was definitely playing with Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, and even my 8-year-old could have done well with those guys! “laughed the Quebecer.

More seriously, “he’s a quiet guy, who will pass quietly, but who works well,” he said.