The Montreal Canadiens injury curse has struck once again. This time before the season has even commenced. The injury announcement was that Rafael Harvey-Pinard has suffered a broken leg that will require surgery. The Montreal Canadiens forward is expected to be sidelined for at least four months. Harvey-Pinard struggled with injury last season and as a result, his production fell off. After an impressive campaign of 14 goals in 34 games, he managed only two in 45 games this past season. The upcoming 2024-25 season was set to be a statement season for Harvey-Pinard as he was set to prove that he was superior to the player who hit the ice in a limited fashion this past season.
With the loss of Harvey-Pinard, a door is now open for another forward to cement himself into the Canadiens lineup. Let’s take a look at some of the options to replace him within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard Injury Replacement Options
Alex Barre-Boulet
The Canadiens signed Quebec native Alex Barre-Boulet on the opening day of free agency. The 27-year-old forward has dominated the AHL scene in recent years. However, he has struggled to find his footing and cement a role at the NHL level. He put up an impressive 84 points in only 69 AHL games in 2022-23. His AHL success has resulted in 68 total NHL games where he has amassed only 19 points. The main reason for his limited NHL games has been the fact that he has been stuck in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization which has had a stacked NHL roster for years.
This past season was the first time he saw significant NHL time on a regular basis. With Harvey-Pinard’s injury, Barre-Boulet could find himself a regular in the team’s bottom six. This should prove to be his best opportunity to finally cement an NHL role for himself.
Emil Heineman
Emil Heineman is a prospect who is highly regarded by Canadiens staff. The forward prospect was considered a key piece for them in the Tyler Toffoli trade. Last training camp he was given every opportunity to succeed. He made it deep into training camp and even got a look flanking Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line.
Heineman has looked good when healthy in the AHL. He had 29 points in 48 games during an injury-riddled season. The previous year he had seven goals and nine points in only 11 games. The 22-year-old old power forward could be a valuable addition to the Canadiens bottom six. His mixture of size, speed, and great shot is exactly what the Canadiens need in the bottom six. Conveniently for Heineman, a left wing spot has just opened up for him there.
Michael Pezzetta
Michael Pezzetta is the only player on this list who is a lock to make the Canadiens out of camp. The physical forward has been in and out of the Canadiens lineup in the past few seasons. However, he has shown to be a valuable asset when inserted into the lineup and one the team would not like to lose to waivers.
The reason Pezzetta makes this list is due to the fact that he has an opportunity to have a full-time role in the team’s lineup for the first time in his career. With Harvey-Pinard’s injury, Pezzetta has a chance to claim the fourth line spot for himself rather than being penciled in as the 13th or 14th forward who is inserted into the lineup when the team needs a spark or due to injury.
Others in the Hunt: Sean Farrell, Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen
Some other players who have a shot at cracking the lineup include Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, and Sean Farrell. The trio of youngsters still have much to prove though and could benefit from some more seasoning in Laval before being brought up to the big club. However, with a stellar training camp, they could find themselves in a Canadiens jersey come October.
Main photo credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
