The 24-year-old forward, who has been Switzerland’s top scorer since his recall on January 17, nonetheless jumped onto the Place Bell ice rink with exuberance on Monday alongside his former school-club team-mates.

Harvey-Pinard has scored an impressive 14 goals and 6 assists in 34 games for the big club this season. At Laval he had maintained a fairly similar tally of 15 goals and 10 assists in 37 games.

“I’m excited to be here and to be part of this push to reach the playoffs,” said Harvey-Pinard in very good spirits a few hours before the first of three crucial home games for the Rocket this week. Playing games with stakes is important at this time of year. I will give everything

The Rocket welcomes the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Monday), the Toronto Marlies (Wednesday) and the Syracuse Crunch (Friday) for the final push of their season this week.

Jean-François Houle’s team ranks last in its division to qualify for the playoffs, but has just a one-point priority over the Cleveland Monsters, who still have a game to play.

The Belleville Senators are two points behind with the same number of games to play.

The dismissal of Laval by Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylönen, who had also been at the CH since January 12 with a performance of 16 points in 37 games, is good for the Rocket, but a possible recall of the Canadian from here is Wednesday not excluded.

We would like to keep them, admits Jean-François Houle. It’s a decision for the organization and we know the Canadian is very depleted with injuries. I have no idea what’s next.

The Canadiens visit the Islanders on Wednesday and end their season Thursday at Bell Center against the Bruins. Harvey-PInard expects to stay at Laval.

I wasn’t told officially, but I think I’ll be here for the week, admitted the Quebecer, who doesn’t want to pressure himself to perform after his success in Montreal. I want to keep my identity. I didn’t stop following the rocket’s course. I sent messages to the guys to encourage them. I’ll update myself later by watching a video with the coaching staff.

I don’t need to talk to him much, admits Jean-François Houle. With him it’s very simple. Whether he plays in the NHL, AHL or any of the leagues, he always plays the same. I’ll let him hit the ice and he’ll have a lot. His role is important on the power play and he can help us when we’re outnumbered. Ylonen too. You are able to produce. Both players put a lot of energy into training. Mentally they are in the right place.

The speech of the Finnish forward, record holder of 9 goals and 20 assists in 36 games with Rocket this season, is no different in impact from Harvey-Pinard’s.

I am very happy to be here. I want to do my part to help Rocket make the playoffs. I dare to believe that I’ve become a better player during my time with the Canadiens.

On Monday, Harvey-Pinard had found his race number 11 with the Rocket instead of the 49 he wore in Montreal.

That’s right. I don’t decide!he concluded.

Primeau in office

Jean-François Houle will trust Cayden Primeau against the already eliminated Penguins School Club.

It’s a great start for him. He has played a lot in the last 2 months. It’s easy, we need three wins and we’re hoping for a defeat by a rival (Cleveland).

Kevin Poulin could defend the Rocket’s cage against the Marlies on Wednesday should the CH recall Primeau over Jake Allen’s uncertain health.

Forwards Jan Mysak and Riley McKay will make way for Harvey-Pinard and Ylönen on Monday.

The Rocket expects more than 8,000 spectators for this duel against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.