Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is taking power skating lessons this summer, a tip from Martin St-Louis

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has won his bet.

He impressed the Montreal Canadiens’ management to the point of earning a two-year, one-step contract. The deal will pay him $1.1 million annually.

We agree that it’s motivating. Harvey-Pinard will arrive at the team’s next training camp with the aim of cementing his place in the Flanelle line-up, an attainable goal despite the city’s surplus of forwards.

It’s no secret that RHP is a grinder by nature, and he won’t be taking his foot off the pedal this summer. He’s desperate to improve his speed and explosion on skates, and to that end, he’s currently taking power skating classes.

A piece of advice given to him by Martin St-Louis… advice that doesn’t come from just anyone, let’s put it that way.

After all, we’re talking about a guy who was in the same chair as Harvey-Pinard at the start of his career. He knows what it takes to succeed in the National League, and it must be gratifying to receive advice from Martin St-Louis.

The 24-year-old appeared on Jérémie Rainville’s show last night to discuss his new contract. He learned the news when he was down south with his family, which must have been a great moment for everyone.

But I was especially struck by his comments about being able to fill any role next year. He’s not worried about what lies ahead, because his mentality is to work hard, no matter what happens to him…

And even then, it’s worthy of an NHL veteran.

In an interview with host @RainvilleJR on Thursday night, following the signing of his two-year, one-stop contract with the @CanadiensMTL, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard stressed how important it was for him to establish himself in the metropolis. 🏒 ⤵ https://t.co/gVY3eLxJQH

– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) July 7, 2023

If every guy could have the desire to perform like Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, it would be beautiful to see.

And I’m sure the CH players know how hard he works. He’s a great example for any player who wants to live his dream of playing in the National League…

But he’s also a fine example for players who sometimes take it lightly.

I have a feeling he’ll be interesting to watch at the team’s next training camp. And, if he continues to do things his own way, a little bird tells me he’ll be in the line-up for the first game of the season.

I’m practically not worried.

In Brief

– Happy Birthday, Jordan!

– Pierre-Luc Dubois has arrived in Los Angeles.

PLD’s first #ITFDB ⚾️@Dodgers pic.twitter.com/WtKXtuLT3B

– LA Kings (@LAKings) July 7, 2023

– Of note:

–

– Ouch.