Harvey-Pinard’s Future With The Canadiens After Injury

After a breakout campaign that saw him net 14 goals in only 34 games, many Canadiens fans were excited at what Rafael Harvey-Pinard‘s sophomore season may bring. However, it was announced that the 25-year-old Quebec native would miss up to six weeks with another injury. This is Harvey-Pinard’s second major injury this campaign, which raises durability concerns. His lack of production when healthy however also raises concern. Harvey-Pinard has only one goal and six assists in 24 games. Was Harvey-Pinard’s breakout rookie year a fluke, or will Harvey-Pinard be able to bounce back?

Harvey-Pinard’s Future With The Canadiens

Analysis of Harvey-Pinard’s 2022-23

When recalled by the Canadiens last season, Harvey-Pinard found himself joining a team plagued by injuries. The Canadiens faced an unprecedented number of injuries to their roster, leading them to linger near the bottom of the standings. However, this unfortunate circumstance created an opportunity for Harvey-Pinard that he may not have otherwise had. Given the depleted roster, he was thrust into a prominent role, immediately slotting in alongside Nick Suzuki and Josh Anderson, with whom he quickly developed chemistry. Furthermore, with players like Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach sidelined, Harvey-Pinard saw significant time on the powerplay.

The increased ice time provided Harvey-Pinard with more opportunities than he had ever experienced at the NHL level. Consequently, his production soared. Despite having only scored 16 goals in 40 games in the AHL, Harvey-Pinard managed to net 14 goals in just 34 NHL games. However, sustaining such a pace over a full season would prove challenging for Harvey-Pinard, particularly without the same level of playing time he enjoyed during the team’s injury crisis.

Analysis of Harvey Pinard’s 2023-24

Harvey-Pinard’s highly anticipated sophomore season has been marred by injury setbacks. In November, he suffered a lower-body injury that kept him out of action for approximately six weeks. Now, he faces another spell on the sidelines, expected to miss another 4-6 weeks due to another lower-body injury. Unfortunately, when he has been healthy, Harvey-Pinard’s offensive impact has been minimal. He has primarily been deployed in bottom-six roles with less skilled linemates, resulting in limited offensive opportunities. Consequently, he has only managed to score one goal so far this season.

While it was unlikely for Harvey-Pinard to replicate the impressive production of his rookie season, his current level of output is undoubtedly disappointing. However, his situation is compounded by being paired with linemates like Pezzetta and Evans, who offer little offensive contribution. This challenging environment has undoubtedly hindered Harvey-Pinard’s ability to make a significant offensive impact this season.

Is Harvey-Pinard a Long-Term Fit?

Harvey-Pinard’s current contract extends for one more year beyond the current season, with a manageable cap hit of 1.1 million dollars. Even after this contract expires, he will remain a restricted free agent (RFA), ensuring the team’s control over his future. However, questions arise regarding his long-term fit with the team. The Canadiens boast a wealth of young talent in the forward positions, with numerous prospects waiting for their opportunity. If Harvey-Pinard fails to contribute more offensively than he has shown this season, he risks being displaced from the lineup by a younger, more offensive-minded option.

Comparisons between Harvey-Pinard and Brendan Gallagher have often been drawn due to their similar playing styles. To secure a long-term role with the Canadiens, Harvey-Pinard must embody the tenacious, energetic playstyle that Gallagher epitomizes on a consistent basis. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to replicate the 30-goal pace of his rookie year, he can solidify his spot in the lineup through other means.

Despite his low offensive production, Harvey-Pinard has quickly endeared himself to Canadiens fans. His lack of scoring can be attributed to a combination of injuries and limited opportunities. However, there remains uncertainty regarding which version of Harvey-Pinard represents his true potential. Can he bounce back in the 2024-25 campaign and prove his worth during a contract year? This upcoming season will be pivotal in determining his long-term role with the team.