I don't think it's that bad, the ball was in Harris' court. Looking at it from the player's side:
- If he signed now, he would have gotten a 3 year ELC. If he signs next spring, he gets a 2 year ELC. The length is defined by the CBA, so Montreal couldn't do anything about that. Harris would more or less be in the same boat next year.
- For the player, it might come down to whether he'd rather spend 2021-22 in college or riding the buses in the AHL. For some, earning the paycheck would be a no brainer. For others, they don't put a price tag on the college experience. Over the years, you'll hear stories from the non-blue chip prospects (hockey and other sports) who later express regret about turning pro too soon. It would be interesting to ask a player if perhaps the Covid season just wasn't what they wanted their final memory of college to be. Some of the North Dakota guys could have turned pro after last year but they seemingly made a pact together to stick around for one more season.