The Montreal Canadiens announced on July 26, 2024, that forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has undergone surgery for a broken leg, which he sustained during off-season workouts. The expected recovery time is four months, meaning Harvey-Pinard will likely miss at least the first two months of the upcoming season.
The 25-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Last year, he played only 45 games, scoring two goals and adding eight assists. Despite a promising start to his NHL career in the 2022-23 season, when he tallied 14 goals and six assists in 34 games and even skated alongside Nick Suzuki, he has faced setbacks due to injuries and limited opportunities.
Harvey-Pinard remains a valuable depth player, capable of contributing solid minutes in the bottom six. However, his recovery could impact his ability to secure a spot, particularly with a strengthening pool of prospects vying for NHL roles. This situation opens the door for newcomer Alex Barré-Boulet, who will be competing for a similar position during training camp.
