Cowan: Canadiens Bank on Healthy David Reinbacher to Blossom Into…read more…

Cowan: Canadiens Bank on Healthy David Reinbacher to Blossom Into…read more…

By Stu Cowan

June 7, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens are placing a lot of faith in their 2023 first-round draft pick, David Reinbacher, to become a core piece of their blue line in the years to come. After a rocky, injury-plagued season in 2023-24, the 6-foot-2 Austrian defenseman is back at full health and ready to prove he can make the jump to the NHL.

Selected fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Reinbacher entered the Canadiens organization with high expectations. Known for his poise, mobility, and defensive awareness, he quickly became a top prospect for a franchise focused on long-term development. But his first year post-draft didn’t go as smoothly as hoped.

After a strong start in Switzerland with EHC Kloten, Reinbacher suffered a lower-body injury that set back his progress. Later in the season, he joined the AHL’s Laval Rocket but struggled to find his rhythm, battling both physical setbacks and the adjustment to the North American game.

Despite the challenges, the Canadiens are optimistic about his future.

“He had some bad luck last season,” said Canadiens GM Kent Hughes. “But his attitude has been outstanding, and his skill set remains exactly what we drafted him for. A healthy Reinbacher is going to show people what he’s really capable of.”

Reinbacher recently completed a full offseason training program in Montreal, working closely with the Canadiens’ development staff. Team officials have been impressed by his dedication and growth, both physically and mentally.

“Reinbacher’s made big strides,” said Canadiens development coach Rob Ramage. “His strength and conditioning have improved significantly, and he’s more confident in his reads and puck movement.”

The Canadiens’ plan for Reinbacher is to give him a full shot at cracking the NHL roster this fall. With the team continuing to rebuild and develop its young core—including defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson—Reinbacher could find himself in a supporting role, learning from veterans while easing into the league’s pace.

Head coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of patience and support. “David’s not going to be rushed. We want him to grow the right way. If that means some time in Laval again to fine-tune things, so be it. But he’ll be given every opportunity to show he’s ready.”

The Habs are no strangers to slowly developing prospects. Their current strategy prioritizes long-term success over short-term results, and Reinbacher is a prime example of that vision. If healthy and confident, he has the potential to develop into a reliable top-four defenseman—perhaps even a leader on the blue line.

Reinbacher, for his part, is eager to get started.

“I feel strong, focused, and ready to compete,” he told reporters after a spring training session. “Last year wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot. I’m excited for what’s ahead and want to earn my place.”

As the Canadiens prepare for training camp in September, all eyes will be on the 19-year-old defenseman. A healthy David Reinbacher could be one of the most important storylines to watch as the Habs continue buildinCowan: Canadiens bank on healthy David Reinbacher to blossom into NHLerCowan: Canadiens Bank on Healthy David Reinbacher to Blossom Into…read more…g toward a brighter future.