The Montreal Canadiens have been dealt another setback as third-year winger Rafael Harvey-Pinard underwent successful surgery on July 26 to repair a broken leg. The recovery process will sideline Harvey-Pinard for approximately four months, with hopes for his return aligning around American Thanksgiving.
Harvey-Pinard’s injury troubles have been a recurring issue. Last season, he was limited to 45 games due to various lower-body injuries, contributing 2 goals and 8 assists. His injury woes were compounded by a previous lower-body ailment that kept him out for several weeks.
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The Canadiens’ official statement on Harvey-Pinard’s surgery highlighted the severity of his injury and the anticipated recovery timeline. “Forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard underwent successful surgery on Thursday after suffering a broken leg,” the statement read. “The recovery period for the 25-year-old winger is estimated to be four months.”
With Harvey-Pinard out, the Canadiens have several potential replacements. Prospects Owen Beck, Filip Mesar, and Joshua Roy could vie for a spot on the roster, while veteran Michael Pezzetta may see increased ice time. Harvey-Pinard’s placement on long-term injured reserve will provide some cap relief, with his $1.1 million salary not counting against the team’s cap until he is reactivated.
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Harvey-Pinard’s NHL journey began with the Canadiens after being selected with the 201st pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. His development has seen steady progress from the QMJHL to the AHL, where he led the Laval Rocket in scoring during the 2021-22 season. Despite his potential, recurring injuries have hampered his contributions at the NHL level, where he has appeared in 79 games over his career, scoring 16 goals and adding 14 assists.
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The Canadiens’ offseason has been relatively quiet, focused more on future-building than immediate improvement. Key moves include the eight-year, $60.8 million extension for 2022 No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky, who contributed 50 points last season. Additionally, the Canadiens added Alex Barré-Boulet on a one-year deal and selected Ivan Demidov with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
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Looking ahead, the Canadiens might seek further improvements through trades. Discussions around acquiring Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets have gained traction, with potential trade packages including prospects and draft picks being considered.
As the Canadiens navigate the early part of the season without Harvey-Pinard, their focus will be on integrating new talent and managing roster adjustments to build towards a more competitive future.
