A $23 million contract for Rafaël Harvey-Pinard? A new element is added

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Elias Adaime
April 27, 2023 (12:06)

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In a recent and very interesting article published on the Journal de Québec website, journalist Jean-Nicolas Blanchet delivered a clear message.

In an article titled "If Harvey-Pinard doesn't get very rich, he's getting ripped off by the Canadiens," he explains what kind of contract Harvey-Pinard should sign this summer, as he will (let's recall) be a restricted free agent.

According to journalist Blanchet, RHP does not deserve to sign a discount contract simply because he is a Quebecer.

"The player who compares himself the most to Harvey-Pinard will have $23 million more in his bank account in three years. I will come back to this, but it gives an idea of the value of the forward. [...]

And if his name was Tyson Jones
Imagine if Harvey-Pinard was actually an American: Tyson Jones. [...]

I would sign a contract with Tyson Jones as soon as possible. And I would pay a high price to keep him for a long time. Not just two years, to see what happens after. Longer, so that he becomes a big bargain in a few years."

- Jean-Nicolas Blanchet

He then identified an interesting comparable. This is exactly what NHL agents and general managers do when negotiating a contract. They find the best comparison.

Blanchet continue:

"The best example is winger Ilya Mikheyev of the Canucks. Never drafted, he arrived in the NHL at 24 years old. Mikheyev was good without dominating in the KHL before. Harvey-Pinard has also been good without dominating, but in the American Hockey League. Mikheyev had 23 points, including 8 goals in 39 games in his first year in Toronto. Harvey-Pinard has 20 points, including 14 goals, in 34 games."

- Jean-Nicolas Blanchet

Mikheyev, now 28 years old, signed a $3.2 million two-year contract in 2020, before signing a $19 million four-year contract in 2022 (valid until 2026).

He therefore earns $4.75 million per season, and as Blanchet explains in his article, it is true that his story and production really compare to those of Rafael Harvey-Pinard.

In his rookie season, at the age of 24, Mikheyev stood out for his complete game, blocked shots, and 23 points in 39 games (just like RHP).

And yet, Mikheyev will be $23 million richer at the end of his current contract.

Knowing all this, do you think Rafael Harvey-Pinard also deserves $23 million over six seasons?

That's less than $3.9 million per year, and it seems like a reasonable price if Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton want to keep the Quebecer in Montreal long-term.

The other option would be a contract of one or two seasons, to test him a little longer. What would you do if you were the GM of the Canadiens?

To be continued!

Credit and link to the article:Journal de Québec

POLL
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard for $23 million over 6 seasons? That's less than $3.9 million per season. What do you think?
Yes sign him	169	42.7 %
no too far and too expensive	227	57.3 %
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