The Montreal Canadiens announced Friday that forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard underwent surgery for a broken leg suffered in off-season workouts on Thursday. He is expected to be out for four months.
The 25-year-old has had rough injury luck over the last few seasons. He was limited to 45 games last season where he had two goals and eight assists. Now he will likely be missing at least the first two months of the season.
Harvey-Pinard burst onto the NHL scene in 2022-23 when he had 14 goals and six assists in 34 games, even getting some opportunities with Nick Suzuki near the end of that season. Injuries to himself, and a lack of opportunities in the top of the lineup have meant he has not been able to replicate that success.
He still profiles as a good depth piece that can play in your bottom six and provide solid minutes, although it will be harder for him to break in with an improving prospect pool that will now have one additional NHL opportunity in training camp.
It could also provide an opportunity for newcomer Alex Barré-Boulet, who would be vying for a similar role in training camp this season.
