Montreal Canadiens Send Rafaël Harvey-Pinard to Laval Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens have announced the decision to send forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, in a move aimed at providing the young player with more consistent ice time and further development.

Harvey-Pinard, who has been part of the Canadiens’ roster this season, has shown flashes of talent but has been struggling to secure a regular spot in the lineup.

Harvey-Pinard’s journey to the NHL has been marked by his work ethic and determination. Drafted by the Canadiens in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL Draft, he has made steady progress through the Canadiens’ development system.

His strong performance with the Laval Rocket in the past two seasons, including his 2022-2023 campaign, helped him earn a call-up to Montreal last year.

While he impressed in his brief stint in the NHL, his challenge has been to maintain that level of play amid the Canadiens’ evolving lineup.

In his time with the Canadiens, Harvey-Pinard played in 13 games, showcasing his grit and energy, but was unable to make a lasting impact in a consistent top-six role. He’s often found himself competing for a spot in the bottom-six, where the Canadiens have a crowded and competitive forward group.

Though he demonstrated his potential in certain moments, the team believes that a stint in Laval will offer him a more prominent role and the opportunity to refine his game.

The decision to send Harvey-Pinard down comes at a time when the Canadiens are focusing on player development and long-term growth. Head coach Martin St. Louis and general manager Kent Hughes are committed to ensuring that young players like Harvey-Pinard get the necessary opportunities to improve.

With Laval, Harvey-Pinard will likely see more ice time and a chance to take on more responsibility, which could aid in his eventual return to Montreal.

For Laval, the addition of Harvey-Pinard to their roster is a significant boost. Known for his two-way play and relentless energy, Harvey-Pinard brings leadership and skill that can positively impact the Rocket’s performance. Laval will benefit from his contributions as they look to compete in the AHL’s tough North Division.

While it may be disappointing for Harvey-Pinard to return to the AHL, the move is part of a larger strategy by the Canadiens to ensure that their young prospects are getting the proper development, setting them up for success when they eventually return to the NHL.