Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Good news for Montreal Canadiens fans who are eagerly waiting for an unexpected reinforcement.
David Reinbacher could earn a full-time spot with the Canadiens in September, and his next training camp is shaping up to be a turning point in his career.
Among all the young players in the organization, the Austrian defenceman is probably the one raising the most questions.
His development path has been a talking point for a long time.
Since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 draft, he hasn’t convinced everyone that he’ll become an impact NHL player.
Other Canadiens prospects have grabbed the spotlight while he continued developing in the background.
But his name could quickly move back to the forefront.
Reinbacher took a major step forward with the Laval Rocket last season.
He played more than 60 games between the regular season and the playoffs.
That workload helped move him closer to the NHL.
His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed.
A profile that fits Montreal’s pressing need on the right side
The timing could hardly be better.
The Canadiens are still looking to stabilize the right side of their blue line, and the answer could come from within the organization.
Reinbacher has exactly the type of profile they need.
He’s a big right-shot defenceman who is reliable in his own zone and capable of complementing a more offensive partner like Lane Hutson.
The financial side makes the scenario even more appealing.
Should Reinbacher earn a spot, Kent Hughes would address a major need without giving up prospects, draft picks or much salary-cap space.
After three years of waiting, the time may have come for the Austrian to remind everyone why the Canadiens selected him so early in the draft.
A potentially major reinforcement for Martin St-Louis’ group.
A strong training camp would change everything.
It could earn him a roster spot and reshape the perception surrounding his development.
Will Reinbacher finally seize his opportunity?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
13 HOURS AGO|474 ANSWERS
The Canadiens could finally get the unexpected reinforcement they’ve been waiting for
Is David Reinbacher ready to earn a roster spot with the Montreal Canadiens at training camp?