Jordan Harris (born July 7, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 71st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL entry draft, Harris has developed into a steady two-way defender with strong hockey sense and reliable positioning. He has previously played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets, and he represents the United States internationally. Harris is notable for being the only Black Jewish player in the NHL as of March 2024, making him a trailblazer for diversity in professional hockey.
Jordan Harris Bio
Jordan Harris was born on July 7, 2000, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to Ginny and Peter Harris. His father worked as a nurse while his mother was a physical therapist, and Harris grew up in a biracial and Jewish household. Harris is of African-American and Jewish heritage, with his father having been adopted from a Jewish orphanage. As of March 2024, he was the only Black Jewish player in the National Hockey League. Harris comes from a hockey family, as his father played collegiate hockey at UMass Lowell. Harris also has an older brother, Elijah, who played goaltender at Austin Preparatory School and currently plays for Endicott College.
Harris began his hockey journey as a goaltender, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, but he eventually switched to defense because he enjoyed skating and playing away from the net. Harris attended Haverhill High School before transferring to Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, a boarding school known for its strong hockey program. In three seasons at Kimball Union, Harris recorded 18 goals and 64 assists in 111 games and served as team captain during the 2017-18 season. That season, he recorded six goals and 29 assists in 37 games while also competing in lacrosse. Harris also appeared in five games with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League during the 2017-18 season, gaining valuable junior hockey experience before his collegiate career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Harris attracted attention from NHL scouts during his time at Kimball Union Academy. The Montreal Canadiens selected Harris in the third round, 71st overall, of the 2018 NHL entry draft. Following his draft, Harris committed to playing college hockey at Northeastern University, where he joined another Canadiens prospect, goaltender Cayden Primeau. Harris made an immediate impact at Northeastern, scoring his first collegiate goal on October 13, 2018, during a 5-0 shutout victory over Sacred Heart. In his freshman season, Harris recorded one goal and 12 assists in 39 games, helping the Huskies win both the 2019 Beanpot and the 2019 Hockey East Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament.
Harris continued to develop as a playmaking defenseman during his sophomore season. He recorded at least one point in each of the first four games and established himself as one of the top defensemen in Hockey East. By the holiday break, he had three goals and 13 points through 18 games, ranking fifth among conference defensemen. Harris delivered a memorable performance in the 2020 Beanpot championship game, scoring in double overtime to break a 4-4 tie against Boston University and secure Northeastern’s third consecutive Beanpot title. His sophomore season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Huskies recognized his contributions with the Unsung Hero Award. He finished the season with three goals and 21 points while averaging 25 to 30 minutes of ice time per game.
Jordan Harris Career
College Career at Northeastern (2018-2022)
The Huskies elevated Harris to alternate captain for the 2020-21 season, reflecting his growing leadership role on the team. Sportswriters praised his high hockey IQ and two-way play during the first half of the season. He earned Hockey East Player of the Week honors on December 14 after recording two goals and three assists in an opening-weekend sweep of Merrimack. Harris finished the season with six goals and 19 points, ranking third among conference defensemen. His strong performance earned him recognition as a Walter Brown Award semifinalist, a Hobey Baker Award finalist, and a Hockey East Second All-Star Team selection. After his junior year, Harris declined to sign with the Canadiens, choosing instead to complete his degree at Northeastern.
In his senior season, Harris was named team captain, leading the Huskies on and off the ice. He earned Hockey East Defender of the Week honors on November 1 after recording one goal and three assists in a two-game sweep of Maine. Harris finished the season with five goals and 20 points in 38 games. His defensive contributions were particularly impressive, with five goals and 14 points in 20 conference games. These performances earned him Hockey East First Team All-Star honors and the conference’s Best Defensive Defenseman award. Harris completed his collegiate career with 15 goals and 73 points in 130 games across four seasons.
Montreal Canadiens (2022-2024)
Harris signed his first professional contract shortly after concluding his college career, agreeing to a two-year entry-level deal with the Canadiens. He joined Montreal for the final stretch of the 2021-22 season and made his NHL debut on April 2, 2022, in a 5-4 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Harris finished the game with a plus-one rating and three blocked shots in his first NHL contest. He appeared in ten games with the Canadiens that season, gaining valuable professional experience. Harris scored his first NHL goal on April 29, 2022, in the season finale against the Florida Panthers, a game the Canadiens won 10-2. This milestone marked the beginning of his professional career in the NHL.
Columbus Blue Jackets (2024-2025)
On August 19, 2024, Harris was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. In his first season with Columbus, Harris served as a depth defenseman, appearing in 33 regular season games. He recorded one goal and four assists for five points during the 2024-25 season. After the season, the Blue Jackets did not extend a qualifying offer to Harris, making him a restricted free agent. Columbus chose not to retain him after just one season with the organization.
Boston Bruins (2025-Present)
Harris signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2025, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $825,000 for the 2025-26 season. This move brought Harris to his home state of Massachusetts, joining a franchise with a storied history and strong fanbase. Harris brings depth and versatility to the Bruins’ defensive corps, offering experience gained through his collegiate career at Northeastern and his previous NHL seasons with Montreal and Columbus. His signing represents an opportunity for Harris to establish himself as a reliable contributor on a team competing for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
Playing Style and Strengths
Harris is known as a smart, responsible two-way defenseman with strong hockey sense. He excels at reading plays and making quick decisions with the puck, allowing him to contribute effectively in both ends of the ice. Harris demonstrates solid positioning and an active stick to disrupt opposing attacks. His ability to transition the puck and move it efficiently out of the defensive zone has been a consistent strength throughout his career. Harris logged significant ice time in college, often averaging 25 to 30 minutes per game, and has shown the ability to handle substantial minutes at the NHL level. His high hockey IQ and composure under pressure make him a reliable option in key defensive situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Harris represented the United States at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic. He scored his first international goal in a 6-3 victory over Germany, taking a pass from Trevor Zegras to tie the game 1-1. Harris finished the tournament with one goal and a plus-four rating in five games, though Team USA was eliminated in the semifinals by Finland. In college, his most memorable moment came in the 2020 Beanpot final, when his double-overtime goal secured Northeastern’s third consecutive championship. Harris’s first NHL goal came on April 29, 2022, in a 10-2 Canadiens victory over the Florida Panthers. His family has been supportive throughout his journey, with his father and brother both playing hockey at various levels.
Jordan Harris Career Wins
Harris has accumulated notable achievements across collegiate and international competition. In college, he helped Northeastern win multiple championships, and he earned individual honors for his defensive play and overall performance. His professional career is still developing as he works toward more consistent NHL ice time with the Bruins.
College and International Highlights
During his four seasons at Northeastern, Harris was a key contributor to a successful program. He helped the Huskies win the 2019 Beanpot, 2020 Beanpot, and 2019 Hockey East Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. His double-overtime goal in the 2020 Beanpot final remains one of his most memorable achievements. In his senior season, Harris earned Hockey East First Team All-Star and Best Defensive Defenseman honors. He was also a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2021, recognizing him among the top collegiate players in the country. Harris completed his college career with 15 goals and 73 points in 130 games.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Harris has earned recognition for his play on and off the ice. At Northeastern, he was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team in 2021 and the Hockey East First Team All-Star Team in 2022. He won the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman award in 2022 and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2021, recognizing the top collegiate hockey player in the United States. He also received Northeastern’s Unsung Hero Award in 2020 and served as team captain in his senior season.
Jordan Harris Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Harris comes from a family with deep roots in hockey. His father, Peter Harris, played collegiate hockey at UMass Lowell, while his older brother Elijah played goaltender at Austin Preparatory School and now plays for Endicott College. Harris, his brother, and father have all been trailblazers as Black hockey players, and they have spoken publicly about the challenges faced by Black players in the sport. Harris has expressed pride in his heritage, being both African-American and Jewish, and credits his family for supporting his journey in hockey. Speaking at a screening of the documentary Black Ice, Harris said he feels extremely proud of his heritage and grateful for the way he was raised, biracial and Jewish, and raised to love hockey for what it is.
Personal Life
As of 2026, Harris is engaged to his fiancée, Codie, whom he met at Northeastern University. Codie played defense for the women’s hockey team at Northeastern. In January 2026, the couple adopted a Mini Bernedoodle puppy named Chai. Harris remains connected to his Massachusetts roots and has embraced the opportunity to play professionally in his home state with the Boston Bruins.
2025-26 Season Performance
Harris begins the 2025-26 season with the Boston Bruins after signing a one-year contract in July 2025. He joins a defensive group looking for depth and consistency as the team aims to return to the playoffs following a competitive offseason. Harris brings experience from three NHL organizations and a strong collegiate background at nearby Northeastern University. The Bruins expect Harris to compete for regular ice time and contribute to their defensive zone coverage. His familiarity with the New England hockey scene and his home-state connection may provide additional motivation as he works to establish himself with his new team.