Likeliest Canadiens on the Move as Harvey-Pinard Returns from Injury
The Canadiens are obviously thin at centre with injuries to Kirby Dach and Christian Dvorak. Claiming Colin White, just to be able to send Brandon Gignac down to help the Laval Rocket by all appearances, serves as further proof to that effect. White’s best days are obviously behind him, despite being just 27 years old, making him relatively expendable.
So, logically, if Harvey-Pinard could play down the middle, White makes for the obvious choice to be rewaived/moved (assuming all relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement conditions regarding trading a claimed player are met). However, life isn’t that simple. As a result, general manager Kent Hughes must make a tough decision. Which player should go to make room once Harvey-Pinard returns from injury?
5. Rafael Harvey-Pinard
There’s no disputing Harvey-Pinard himself has far from established himself as a member of the Canadiens’ core. Prior to the injury, he had scored just a single goal and seven points in 24 games this season, which is especially disappointing after he scored 14 goals and 20 points as a rookie (in just 34 games) in 2022-23.
However, it’s worth noting Harvey-Pinard was effectively rewarded for his rookie season with a one-way contract, which pays him $1.2 million regardless of where he plays. That will likely be one of the mitigating factors that keeps Hughes from waiving him once he returns.
4. Joel Armia
It’s nothing Joel Armia hasn’t gone through before. True, Armia has a one-way deal himself, one that pays him considerably more than Harvey-Pinard (hit of $3.4 million). However, keep in mind, the Canadiens sent Armia down to the minors to start the season in an apparent bid to give the organization’s younger players more NHL experience.
With that in mind, it would be counterintuitive to keep Armia up at Harvey-Pinard’s expense, even if Armia has reestablished his worth as an NHL-calibre player. However, the fact that he has an impressive 11 goals (16 points) in 45 games might make him appealing to other teams were he to be placed on waivers.
So close to the March 8 trade deadline? Seeing as Armia’s is one contract Hughes would ideally move, the GM probably won’t let him go for nothing. Look for Armia to stay (assuming Harvey-Pinard returns in the next few days).
