Let’s be honest: Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is not experiencing the best season of his career. The Quebec native has faced several injuries and hasn’t handled his challenges with ease.
In the previous season, in 34 games, the Quebec forward scored 14 goals. He notably played alongside Nick Suzuki due to numerous injuries within the team.
It was anticipated that maintaining a pace of 14 goals in 34 games would be difficult for him this season. However, with only one goal in 32 games now, it’s evident that he is struggling in terms of his offensive performance.
Despite his struggles, the Canadiens maintain their faith in him, providing opportunities when he is fit to play. He has been given playing time at center and occasionally features in more attacking lines to showcase his abilities.
The Canadiens are convinced that Montreal is the right place for him to develop. If the organization had considered sending him to Laval, they would have done so before the last game, avoiding the waivers process.
As he has completed his 70th NHL game and is no longer on his entry-level contract, he is no longer eligible to be sent to the AHL without going through waivers.
Last night #GoHabsGo forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard played in his 70th career NHL game, which resulted in him losing his waivers exemption.
Going forward, Harvey-Pinard will require waivers to be sent to the minors.https://t.co/Ix8oKrjix7
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) March 22, 2024
If the Canadiens truly intended to transfer him to Laval, they would have done so earlier to ensure his eligibility for the playoffs and to free up a roster spot for another player before the four-call limit post-March 8.
However, it is evident that this is not the intended course of action. Firstly, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard remains part of the NHL roster… and it’s uncertain who would replace him. The talent pool in Laval lacks a forward who is adequately prepared for the NHL.
Currently, only Juraj Slafkovsky, Arber Xhekaj, Kaiden Guhle, and Jayden Struble can be demoted without waivers. Although the first three are ineligible for the Laval playoffs, they are unlikely to feature for the Rocket this season.
Regarding Struble, who is eligible for the AHL playoffs in 2024, it seems probable that he will conclude the season with the Rocket at some point.
Joshua Roy also has the option to be assigned to Laval without waivers for the playoffs, but his trade is pending until he recovers from injury. Given that he will be sidelined for at least the next month, he remains in Montreal under medical care.
However, if he recuperates in time, he may potentially finish the season with the Rocket.
L'attaquant Joshua Roy ratera de quatre à six semaines d'activité en raison d'une blessure au haut du corps.
Forward Joshua Roy will be out for a period of four to six weeks due to an upper-body injury. pic.twitter.com/nCpCKWqvp9
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 22, 2024
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