Rafael Harvey-Pinard was one of the Habs' success stories during the 2022-23 season, earning a spot in the top six because of injuries.
Harvey-Pinard or Lavallagher as some have coined him scored 20 points (14 goals and six assists) through 34 games. It appeared that this was the start of something great, maybe not a top-six player, but a player who would support the offence. Even in a top-nine role, Harvey-Pinard would have been quite serviceable, if he could continue scoring at the same rate.
But then the 2023-24 season rolled around, and with it expectations that the hard-working Harvey-Pinard would follow up his 20-point performance with an even better level of production. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way, though. He played 45 games with the big club and managed just 10 points (two goals and eight assists).
He returned from a lower-body injury and did his best to find his footing, but it was more of a pride thing. It was a disappointing season and his injury just piled onto the frustration, so hopes for his offseason were high. But before he could ramp up in preparation for Habs training camp, he suffered a broken leg, which will hold him out until late November.
Back to the drawing board in Laval?
It will be a long battle to return back to action for Harvey-Pinard, which is what makes the injury the most frustrating. But when he does return there is no guarantee that he will have a spot with the Habs waiting for him, it's actually not likely. So, he will have to head back to Laval - square one, so to speak - and earn his way back up.
Now, however, he won't be just battling guys like Josh Anderson and Joel Armia for his spot. Emil Heineman, Owen Beck and Joshua Roy are hopefuls to make things interesting during camp and cement a role for themselves. He is no stranger to hard work and battling to earn his spot, but his resiliency will be tested for the 2024-25 season.