Rafael Harvey-Pinard among three called up by Canadiens from AHL

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Sunday morning that they've called up forwards Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Lukas Vejdemo, and Alex Belzile from the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket.

These moves are in response to Artturi Lehkonen being placed in the NHL's COVID protocol along with Joel Armia and Mathieu Perreault being placed on injured reserve.

Harvey-Pinard, a native of Jonquiere, Quebec, has appeared in 24 games for the Laval Rocket this season. In those 24 games, he's recorded 14 points (5 G, 9 A), 12 penalty minutes, and is a +10. He was drafted by the Canadiens in the seventh round in 2019, and this is his first NHL call-up.

Vejdemo, 25, has played in 22 games this season for Laval where he's tallied 13 points (6 G, 7 A), 6 penalty minutes, and is a +/-0.

Belzile, 30, has split time between the Canadiens and Laval during the 2021-22 season. In 8 games with Montreal he has no points, while in 16 games with Laval, the Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec native has 11 points.

After having Saturday night's game postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Bruins organization, Montreal will be back in action on Monday night, where they'll make their first trip to the newly-opened UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders. Originally, the Canadiens were supposed to fly out on Sunday, but as a precaution, they've delayed their flight until Monday morning.

Les Canadiens ont rappelé les attaquants Alex Belzile, Lukas Vejdemo et Rafaël Harvey-Pinard du @RocketLaval.

The Canadiens have recalled forwards Alex Belzile, Lukas Vejdemo and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard from the Laval Rocket.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zRGJKYH0Px— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 19, 2021

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