The Montreal Canadiens announced the signing of restricted free agent Rafael Harvey-Pinard to a two-year contract extension.
One of the pending restricted free agents on the Montreal Canadiens' roster has solidified a place within the organization after signing a two-year contract extension with the team on Monday.
Averaging $1.1 million per season, the new deal for 24-year-old forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard runs through the 2024-25 season.
When asked about contract negotiations during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Harvey-Pinard told Le Journal de Montreal, "There are discussions, but for the moment there is nothing done. Of course my goal is to sign with the Canadiens and play with the Canadiens next year."
"We will do what is best for both parties; both for the team and for me," added Harvey-Pinard.
The 5-foot-9, 181-pound left winger, drafted by the Canadiens in 2019 (7th round, 201st overall), played 34 games for Montreal in the 2022-23 season. During that time, he tallied 14 goals and six assists for 20 points. He made his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season, when he dressed for four Canadiens games.
A native of Saguenay, QC, Harvey-Pinard has spent significant time in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. Last season he played 40 games for Montreal's affiliate, scoring 16 goals and adding 15 assists for 31 points, adding to his career total of 145 AHL games played (46 goals, 61 assists).
Harvey-Pinard had a successful junior hockey career, eventually acting as captain for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL. That season, 2018-19, the team won both the QMJHL championship and the Memorial Cup. He then went on to captain the Chicoutimi Sanguenees for his final year in junior.