Rafaël Harvey-Pinard Left Out of the Montreal Canadiens' Line-Up According to the NHL's Projections

The forward is currently a restricted free agent and has finished his entry-level contract in the NHL. He will certainly want to move up and sign a one-way contract with the Canadiens.

Seeing the congestion in the Canadiens' offensive line at the moment, it must be this technical aspect that is slowing down the process, while Kent Hughes might want to offer him a two-way contract. The Swede will therefore have to prove, like many young forwards, that he has his place in the big club's line-up.

On this matter, journalist Sean Farrell (not the player) from the NHL website published a piece that illustrates the congestion in the organization and who is in his projected lineup for the team's upcoming season.

This projected lineup is surprising, especially when you realize that Rafaël Harvey-Pinard isn't even found in any of the club's four lines.

See it for yourself:

Sean Monahan -- Nick Suzuki -- Cole Caufield

Alex Newhook -- Kirby Dach -- Josh Anderson

Mike Hoffman -- Christian Dvorak -- Brendan Gallagher

Juraj Slafkovsky -- Jake Evans -- Joel Armia

Mike Matheson -- Justin Barron

Kaiden Guhle -- David Savard

Arber Xhekaj -- Jordan Harris

Jake Allen

Sam Montembeault

The reason for the Quebecer's absence must certainly be the surplus of veterans on offense. The fact that RHP doesn't have to go through waivers makes him an easy candidate to be dropped. If he wants to see him in the line-up, Kent Hughes will therefore have to find a way to get rid of one of his veterans, something he has already admitted he wants to do.

We also notice that Sean Monahan is projected to be on the first line, while the young Juraj Slafkovsky would be on the fourth unit. On defense, Jonathan Kovacevic would be the one to be dropped, who could well be the 7th defender of the club.

Looking at this lineup, it wouldn't be surprising to see other personnel moves before the start of the next season. Let's bet on a departure of Mike Hoffman, Christian Dvorak, or Joel Armia before the club's opening game.

Credit: DLC