Rafael Harvey-Pinard's Injury Will Cause Him To Miss Start of Season
By Nate Duffett
Reports were swirling earlier this week that Rafael Harvey-Pinard would miss a chunk of the offseason due to a lower-body injury. The Montreal Canadiens depth forward injured himself at a sporting event with fellow organization members.
The Canadiens confirmed the reports on Friday when they announced that Harvey-Pinard underwent successful surgery on Thursday for a broken leg. The expected recovery time for Harvey-Pinard is four months, which will put him on the shelf until October-November.
L’attaquant Rafaël Harvey-Pinard a subi jeudi une intervention chirurgicale à la suite d’une fracture à une jambe. La période de convalescence prévue pour l'ailier de 25 ans est d’une durée de quatre mois.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 26, 2024
Forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard underwent successful surgery on Thursday… pic.twitter.com/3MdlacZbks
It'll put him at the back of the line for making the team this season, as his status was already in question after a disappointing 2023-24 season. RHP burst onto the scene in 2022-23, recording 20 points in 34 games. However, he had just two goals and eight assists over 45 games in an injury-riddled 2023-24.
Harvey-Pinard would have been in a battle for a roster spot this season, with the addition of Alex Barre-Boulet in the offseason, and emerging prospects like Joshua Roy and Owen Beck. If two or three of those players impress in training camp and grab a spot, RHP may be back in Laval once healthy.