Canadiens’ Prospect Harvey-Pinard Earning his Role

The Montreal Canadiens don’t just suffer losses, they also suffer men’s games lost through injury. They are among the best teams in the NHL in this category. If the aim of the 2022-23 season was to be as competitive and entertaining as possible, the number of injuries – nine players are on the injured list as of January 31 – makes it an almost impossible task.

Wounds provided a silver lining. Management was able to assess the development of their prospects and provide those prospects with the opportunity to prove they are capable of playing in the NHL. Raphael Harvey-Pinard is one of those players, and he’s done everything to prove he’s earned a spot on the NHL roster, even if it’s just for the rest of the season.

Emergency Canadians

Urgently recalled on January 17, Harvey-Pinard will have to be reinstated with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) before he can permanently return to the NHL roster. When, not if, it happens, Habs fans will get some rare good news.

The 5-foot-9, 183-pound forward plays a style Habs fans know and love, one that bears an uncanny resemblance to Brendan Gallagher. His game also provides more than just points; he brings an inspiring energy and work ethic. Even though he has a size disadvantage in every puck battle, he still finds a way to win most of them. It proves that hard work beats skill if skill doesn’t work hard. The similarities to Gallagher are so striking that the fanbase and even the local media have found humor as the young player gains popularity while Gallagher is injured and even nicknamed him ‘Lavallagher’.