The Montreal Canadiens’ 2022-2023 season has been very difficult for Montreal fans to follow.
At least, that’s what we expected.
No one believed in the Tricolore’s chances of having a good season, or even making the playoffs.
However, neither did anyone expect the entire club to be injured, for virtually the entire regular season.
We didn’t expect the CH to have a big season, but we did think we’d at least see the players develop and perform.
Well no, most of the players were injured and spent most of the season on the bench.
This made an already difficult season even more pathetic.
But it did give some players a chance to shine.
I’m talking, of course, about Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
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The 24-year-old Quebecer has been one of the few bright spots in this miserable season.
As soon as he was recalled from Laval, RHP showed what he was capable of.
In the end, Harvey-Pinard amassed 20 points (14 goals and six assists) in 34 games with the CH this season.
He proved that he’s perfectly capable of producing against the NHL’s elite on a regular basis.
It now remains to be seen whether RHP will have a place in Montreal from the start of next season.
Well, RHP believes he’s already played his last game in Laval.
Big statement from RHP, who now believes he belongs in the NHL for good 👀 https://t.co/R96kfJ4dDN
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 22, 2023
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That’s quite a statement from the young Quebecer, but he can afford to make it.
Indeed, the CH’s seventh-round pick (201st overall) in 2019 has shown what he’s capable of, in addition to producing at a more than respectable rate.
RHP remains aware, however, that he’ll have to earn his place, and that nothing can be taken for granted.
“I think I’ve played my last game with Laval, but again, training camp is going to be so important. With all the CH’s injured players coming back, I’m going to have to prove that I deserve my full-time spot.” – Rafaël Harvey-Pinard
Training camp will indeed be a crucial period for RHP, as well as for several other players. His place is not guaranteed, even after what he’s done.
After doing well this season with the CH, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is convinced he’s made his place with the big club for next season! 🔵⚪️🔴
For the interviewcomplet⬇️https://t.co/homeRdnRzY pic.twitter.com/NczMkqwtum
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) April 12, 2023
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Another thing to keep in mind is that RHP will have to negotiate a contract with Kent Hughes for next season.
It will be interesting to see how much Harvey-Pinard will pocket per season, and for how many seasons.
His production of 20 points in 34 games would have earned him 48 points, including 33 goals, in 82 games.
A scorer of 30 goals or more has to be paid for.
So we’ll have to see whether RHP will take the risk of signing a short contract in order to potentially earn more in the coming seasons, or whether he’ll prefer a medium-term deal with the CH.
If I had to make a prediction, I think Harvey-Pinard will sign a contract worth $2.5 million a year for 2-3 years.
To be continued.
En Rafale
– A name to keep an eye on.
Here is an outstanding story on Perreault who I have moved into my top 10.
Considering his ranking, I believe the Habs could get him at 17.
I would view this as a huge upside win.
Learn more how he’s viewed by coaches scouts here 👇 https://t.co/VVTjYuu3RZ
– Brian Wilde (@BWildeMTL) April 23, 2023
– More on Gabe Perreault.
Gabe Perreault broke Auston Matthews’ all-time single-season scoring record with the USNTDP last night.
Next up? The #NHLDraft.
My profile on one of the most dangerous offensive forces this season:https://t.co/Xd9tgVkY6v #U18Worlds
– Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) April 23, 2023
– Read on.
I had the opportunity to speak with @BennMathurin about his first season in the NBA, what he describes as a big summer of training (not without a mostly mental break) beforehand and his social involvement with @RSEQ1 and @cqts.
Happy reading! https://t.co/I8pUJa1Io9
– Olivier Paradis-Lemieux (@OliParle) April 23, 2023
– Victory for iga Swiatek.
Tournament Stuttgart | Iga Swiatek dominates Aryna Sabalenka in the final https://t.co/A99bDOEJlj
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) April 23, 2023
– Quite unusual.
FORMULE E | Ça, c’était inattendu… https://t. co/aMixjakNos
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 23, 2023