HabsWorld.net -- 

With the June 1st deadline to sign him fast approaching, the Habs have indeed got a deal done with Rafael Harvey-Pinard, announcing on Wednesday that they’ve signed the winger to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins next season.  The deal carries a cap hit of $825,000 in each season in the NHL and pays him $70,000 in the minors.

The 22-year-old was picked by Montreal in the 7th round (201st overall) back in 2019 in his final year of eligibility.  After wrapping up his final year of junior eligibility, he turned pro this season and has impressed with Laval, notching eight goals and 11 assists in 32 games, good enough for fourth in team scoring so it felt like it was only a matter of time before a deal got done.

There are three other prospects who have a June 1st signing deadline in 2017 second rounder Joni Ikonen, 2019 fifth rounder Jacob LeGuerrier who has spent the season with Laval, and 2019 seventh rounder Kieran Ruscheinski.  If Ruscheinski commits to a US college before then, his exclusive rights could be extended.

In other news Wednesday:

Xavier Ouellet and Jesse Ylonen were both recalled from Laval and will be available to play in this afternoon’s season finale against Edmonton.  With Montreal now locked in to play against Toronto, it’s quite likely the Habs will be resting several veterans for that one.

Jake Allen is the recipient of this year’s Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy, awarded to a player who “played a dominant role during the regular season, without earning any particular honour”.  Joel Edmundson and Corey Perry placed second and third in the balloting.