Canadiens Rumors: Young Defender Being Shopped

One thing that is evident for the Montreal Canadiens in the short-term is moving on from at least one defenseman. Not only are there more than enough defenders to fill the NHL roster, there has been at least one young NHL-caliber defenseman who has had to spend time in the AHL along with three-plus young studs on their way.

While there has been trade speculation surrounding David Savard to get a good return and open up a spot, there is now talk about Jordan Harris, one of the Canadiens' young defenders. Jacob Stoller reported that the Canadiens are shopping Harris ahead of the deadline and noted that the team's overflow of young defense has made him expendable.

Jimmy Murphy also reported that he was told that given Harris' fall down the depth chart with so many good young defensemen at the Canadiens' disposal, Harris is definitely on the trade market. He added that Kent Hughes likes Harris as a person and will likely try to find the best spot for Harris to get playing time and develop, as long as the return is right for the Canadiens.

Harris is 23 years old and would have to pass through waivers in order to be sent to the minors. He has one more year left on his deal at $1.4 million AAV and skates very well. Although he is a left-shot defender, he has spent time on both sides. This could help a bit in finding him a good landing spot through a trade.