Rafael Harvey-Pinard is making a comeback after a fractured leg injury that necessitated surgery in the summer. It won’t be with the Montreal Canadiens, though. Harvey-Pinard has been loaned by the club to the Laval Rocket for an extended period of conditioning. His return to the Canadiens has no set timeline, and it’s uncertain how he will fit into the team’s long-term strategy if he is called up. Let’s look at Rafael Harvey-Pinard’s comeback and what it implies for La Bleu Blanc Rouge going forward.
Rafael Laval Rocket to Rafael Harvey-Pinard
25 years old The past few years with Montreal have been quite the rollercoaster for Harvey-Pinard. He received a callup after the Canadiens’ injury-plagued 22–23 season, during which he played significant minutes for the team. He was able to score 14 goals in just 34 games while playing on the first power play unit and with Nick Suzuki for the entirety of his tenure. The youthful striker would score 33 goals at this rate over the course of a season.
A Seasonal Rollercoaster for Harvey-Pinards
It was anticipated that RHP would have a breakthrough season and contribute significantly to the team’s performance the next season. But that was not going to happen because he only played 45 games due to a number of ailments. He only managed two goals and 10 points while healthy, making him a shell of the player he once was. He has not yet donned a uniform this season, but he will receive his first taste of action in Laval as he is expected to appear in one of the clubs’ next games.
For what length of time will Harvey-Pinard stay in Laval?
It’s uncertain how long he will stay in the minors given the injuries and lack of output that are hampering his development. The relegation was described by the Canadiens as merely a conditioning assignment. The addition of Harvey-Pinard will help the Rocket, who have been playing well so far this season.
However, he could stay in Laval longer than anticipated once he gets up to game pace. He hasn’t demonstrated any consistency at the NHL level aside from his exceptional season in which he scored 14 goals. Since someone like Emil Heineman has taken his place on the Canadiens roster, it’s unclear where he fits in. Additionally, there is one fewer roster slot available due to Patrik Laine’s impending comeback. Only in the case of an injury might Harvey-Pinard rejoin the squad. Given that Lucas Condotta had previously called up, he might not even be the first one. Alex Barre-Boulet and Joshua Roy have undoubtedly earned an opportunity as well thanks to their performances. Harvey-Pinard will have a difficult time getting back into the Canadiens lineup.
His Final Position in the Canadiens’ Future
One of the league’s top young cores is that of the Canadiens. Prospects like Owen Beck, Joshua Roy, Michael Hage, and Ivan Demidov are interested in joining the forward corps. Not to mention Oliver Kapanen, who began the season in Montreal but was just brought back to the SHL. The addition of several younger, more talented forwards raises questions about Harvey-Pinard’s place on the roster.
In the summer, players like Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and Jake Evans will probably be released through free agency. Assuming they aren’t moved earlier, Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher’s contracts only last a few years. In the near future, roster spaces will become available, but Harvey-Pinard will have to convince the Canadiens management that he deserves one.
