Montreal Canadiens officially place 25-year-old forward on waivers

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James Connelly
November 30, 2024 (4:07 PM)

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Rafael Harvey-Pinard once looked like a gem for the Montreal Canadiens playing on their top line but now it looks like he is heading to the AHL after being placed on waivers.

It was just announced that the Montreal Canadiens placed forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard on waivers with the purpose of being sent to the Laval Rocket.

Harvey-Pinard once was in the Canadiens top six playing alongside Nick Suzuki in 2022-23 where he scored 14 goals and 20 points in 34 games. However, he has struggled to stay healthy playing in only 45 games last year and only five games in the AHL this year. In Harvey-Pinard's five AHL games, he scored only one goal.

Earlier this year, the Canadiens lost forward Patrik Laine after he suffered a devastating knee injury. Now, Laine is closer to returning to play having been seen skating and Harvey-Pinard's placement on waivers could be an indicator of Laine's impending return.

Additionally, trade rumors have been swirling in Montreal with rumors emerging that they may trade forward Kirby Dach away to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It does look like changes will be coming to the Canadiens' lineup soon and Harvey-Pinard may not be a part of the future vision GM Kent Hughes has for the team.

Now, 31 NHL teams will have an opportunity to claim Harvey-Pinard for free and look to unlock the potential he once showed playing alongside Montreal's elite talents. Regardless of whether Harvey-Pinard gets claimed, hopefully, he will be able to find his stride again and begin to thrive.