After signing a two-year one-way contract with the organization on July 3rd, Rafael Harvey-Pinard met with the media to discuss the deal that will pay him on average $1.1 million.
“I was really happy. I think it’s another step in the process to become a regular in the NHL. I’m happy to be able to continue with the Canadiens for another two years. Those two years is a good opportunity for me to prove that I belong to play in the NHL,” Harvey-Pinard said via videoconference.
Putting on the red, white, and blue jersey is something he dreamed about growing up in Saguenay, Quebec. “It’s a dream since I was a little boy and now signing a one-way contract with the Canadiens was one of my dreams. I’m really happy of the process that led to it, I think I’ve always worked hard and it’s a nice reward for the work I’ve done the last couple of years.”
The 24-year-old was on holidays in the south when the deal was finalized. The conversations became more concrete after the draft and needed a few days to finalize. Montreal initially offered the forward a two-way contract, but that quickly turned to a one-way contract. The length of the deal was more important because he wants to use the two seasons to prove that he belongs in the National Hockey League. At the conclusion of his new deal, he will remain a restricted free agent.
Fight for Roster Spot
It is no secret that the Canadiens currently have a lot of forwards signed to an NHL contract. With Harvey-Pinard being waiver exempt, he becomes an easy option to be assigned to Laval if management does not make any room on the roster for the forward group.
The Canadiens 2019 seventh round pick has not had any discussions with the club on his role for the upcoming season. “I saw that there’s a lot of forwards and I think it will make a nice competition at camp. On the other hand, I will come to camp and be focused on myself. I think I’m able to play in the NHL and it’s up to me to come to training camp and show that I’m ahead of the other forwards. I’ve worked all my life to earn my place and that won’t change at the next training camp.”
Last season, Harvey-Pinard started the season in Laval before being recalled to Montreal in January due to injuries and remained in the NHL until April when returned to the AHL for the Rocket’s playoff push. In 34 games with the Canadiens, he scored 14 goals and 20 points.
The 5-foot-9 forward is looking to take a step forward this season. “I have to play the same way that I played in the last 3-4 months of the season and continue on that progression. I gained experience last year and I have to continue playing on both sides of the ice. I also think it’s important for me to finish on my chances.”
During the summer, Harvey-Pinard is focusing on becoming a faster skater with his coach Nathaniel Marx. In the gym, he’s working in Blainville with trainers Stephane Dube and Stefano Lanni. His training partners include NHL'er Anthony Mantha, Rocket players Brandon Gignac and Tobie Paquette-Bisson, and former Rocket teammate Joel Teasdale.