Montreal has added some extra forward depth in advance of their game tonight against New Jersey. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled winger Rafael Harvey-Pinard from AHL Laval.
The 26-year-old started the season on injured reserve, missing the first 22 games with a leg injury. Following a conditioning stint with the Rocket, he then cleared waivers at the beginning of December and has been with them ever since. Harvey-Pinard has played in 24 games with Laval this season, recording four goals and seven assists.
Harvey-Pinard has seen extensive NHL time in the last two years. In 2022-23, he impressed as a midseason recall, ultimately collecting 14 goals and six assists in 34 games. That helped earn him a two-year, $2.2MM contract in the 2023 offseason. But things didn’t go as well for him last year as he was limited to just two goals and eight helpers in 45 appearances while also missing time due to injuries.
Montreal hasn’t had much success filling Emil Heineman’s spot on the fourth line since he was struck by a car in Utah last week. Veteran Michael Pezzetta has been given several looks but has failed to clear five minutes of playing time in any of his last seven games. Prospect Owen Beck received a two-game look but has since been returned to the minors and now it appears Harvey-Pinard will get a chance to reclaim his spot from last season on that line.
With the recall, Montreal’s active roster is now full. Jayden Struble remains on the roster while on a conditioning loan to Laval while despite Heineman’s injury, they’ve elected not to place him on injured reserve just yet.