Rafaël Harvey-Pinard signs two-year extension with the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have reached a contract extension with 2019 seventh-round selection Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. He has signed a new two-year contract with a $1.1-million average annual value upon the conclusion of his entry-level deal.

After a great Junior career in the QMJHL, Harvey-Pinard was able to carry that play to the AHL. Following a brief NHL recall in 2021-22, he received a better opportunity last year with all of the injuries to the Canadiens’ forward corps, and had an incredible run in Montreal. He netted 14 goals in 34 games in a Habs jersey, including a hat trick on March 25, making for a higher goals-per-game rate than he’d achieved in any of his three seasons with the Laval Rocket.

From being a possible bottom-six recall option to now having a legitimate shot at playing a top-six role, that jump in his outlook is reflected in the raise over last year’s $825,000 figure. The short term is a chance for RHP to prove that last season was no fluke and end up with a more lucrative contract in the near future.