Rafael Harvey-Pinard emerged as one of the bright spots for the Canadiens during the 2022-23 season, securing a spot in the top six due to injuries on the team.
Nicknamed “Lavallagher” by some fans, Harvey-Pinard recorded 20 points (14 goals and six assists) in 34 games, leading many to believe he was on the cusp of becoming a reliable offensive contributor, even if not a permanent top-six player. His performance suggested that he could be a valuable asset in a top-nine role if he maintained his scoring pace.
However, the 2023-24 season didn’t unfold as expected. Despite hopes for continued growth, Harvey-Pinard struggled, managing just 10 points (two goals and eight assists) in 45 games with the Canadiens. After recovering from a lower-body injury, he tried to regain his form, but it proved to be a frustrating season, compounded by his injury. Expectations for his offseason were high, but before he could fully prepare for the upcoming training camp, he suffered a broken leg, sidelining him until late November.
This injury means Harvey-Pinard faces a tough road to return to action, and there’s no guarantee of a spot with the Canadiens waiting for him. It’s likely he’ll have to start again in Laval, essentially going back to square one to earn his way back up. This time, he’ll be competing not only against familiar names like Josh Anderson and Joel Armia but also against emerging prospects like Emil Heineman, Owen Beck, and Joshua Roy. While Harvey-Pinard is no stranger to hard work and competition, his resilience will be put to the test as he aims to make an impact in the 2024-25 season.
