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Former Canadiens Winger Rafaël Harvey-Pinard Faces Bad News After Signing with Penguins
Photo credit: USA today sports via reuters con / David Kirouac
On July 2, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard officially left the Montreal Canadiens organization after signing a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Unfortunately for the forward, there's bad news surrounding his arrival in Pittsburgh.
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with the Montreal Canadiens.
A 7th-round pick, 201st overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft, he surprised many by making the big club in 2022-23. That season, the left winger from Saguenay recorded an impressive 14 goals and 20 points in just 34 games.
However, things took a different turn afterward. Hampered by injuries, he played only 45 games the following season and tallied just 10 points, including 2 goals.
In 2024-25, Harvey-Pinard only played one game with the Canadiens and failed to register a point.
With the Laval Rocket in the AHL last season, he finished with 5 goals and 19 points in 40 games. During the 2025 playoffs, he was held goalless in 13 games and recorded only 3 points.
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard Chooses a Fresh Start by Signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins
At the beginning of July, the forward decided to head to Pittsburgh to join the Penguins. It's a one-year deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level, and also includes a solid $450,000 salary in the minors.
Canadiens fans love Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, and everyone is rooting for him to earn a spot with the big club. However, Daily Faceoff's projected Penguins lineup brings bad news for him.
According to them, with the additions of wingers Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, there's currently no spot for him in the lineup. He's expected to start next season in the minors.
While being behind Mantha isn't exactly a surprise, Harvey-Pinard is certainly capable of bumping out Brazeau, who at age 27 has spent most of his career in the AHL and ECHL.
Here's hoping the former Canadien makes it back to the NHL next season! Go Rafaël!
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 24 | 307 ANSWERS Former Canadiens Winger Rafaël Harvey-Pinard Faces Bad News After Signing with Penguins Do you believe Rafaël Harvey-Pinard can crack the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup next season? | ||
| Yes | 174 | 56.7 % |
| No | 133 | 43.3 % |
| List of polls | ||