Montreal Canadiens Lose Promising Young Forward To IR

The Montreal Canadiens have recently made significant changes to their lineup due to player injuries. Forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard has been placed on the injured reserve following a lower-body injury.

This injury occurred during a game against the Arizona Coyotes, where Harvey-Pinard took an awkward hit into the boards from Troy Stecher​.

Canadiens have placed Rafaël Harvey-Pinard on injured-reserve list and recalled defenceman Jayden Struble from the AHL's Laval Rocket. #Habs #HabsIO

— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 20, 2023

Harvey-Pinard, a 24-year-old player, has already missed several games due to this injury. Before being sidelined, he had played 13 games this season, contributing four assists to the team​​.

In response to this situation, the Canadiens have called up defenseman Jayden Struble from the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

Struble, aged 22, has shown promising performance in the AHL, scoring one goal and five assists in 12 games this season.

His strong start in his professional career, following a four-year tenure at Northeastern University, earned him this opportunity.

RAFAEL HARVEY-PINARD HAS 6 GOALS IN 9 GAMES! #GoHabsGo
pic.twitter.com/SWyHpmWhHp

— Nathan "Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) February 12, 2023

Struble's NHL debut might come in the upcoming games as the Canadiens face a series of matches against teams like the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Florida Panthers​.

The Canadiens are currently experiencing a challenging phase in their season, tied for last with the Ottawa Senators in the Atlantic Division with 16 points.

Harvey-Pinard had a nice second NHL season last year, scoring 14 goals and 20 total points across 34 games played.

He's a former seventh-round pick by Montreal in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports