Jordan Harris’ play over the last few games has helped offset the loss of one of the Boston Bruins’ top defensemen.
Harris, a Haverhill, Mass., native, signed with the Bruins over the offseason after a one-year stint in Columbus. He began the season as the seventh defenseman, but when Lindholm went down in the home opener, that paved the way for Harris to debut for his hometown team this past Saturday.
Harris has been an important part of the blue line in the two games since drawing into the lineup. Paired with Andrew Peeke, he’s posted one goal, one assist, one shot block and three hits while averaging 16:42 ice time.
Lindholm is knocking on the door to return, but it’s clear to him that the Bruins happened upon a gem in Harris.
“He’s been unbelievable. Such a good player,” Lindholm said after Wednesday’s practice, via Bruins.com. “I think overall, we’ve been showing that Bruins hockey that we want to play. We just have to stick to it over 60 minutes every game, and we’re going to frustrate teams. It’s been fun.”
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The Bruins’ defense has plenty of mainstays, but also a handful of blueliners who haven’t established themselves as lineup locks. Because of that, Lindholm’s impending return does not necessarily mean Harris is ticketed to be a recurring healthy scratch.