Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher Returning To Switzerland
The Montreal Canadiens have made a plethora of cuts, but none gaining more attention than that of David Reinbacher, who is headed back to the Swiss NL. A decision that was already pretty much a guarantee, since Reinbacher was open about his wishes to return back to Switzerland for another season. Reinbacher was brilliant at camp, and at just 18 years old, he has already established himself as one of the Habs’ best defence prospects.
There were plenty of pundits looking to nitpick and criticize Kent Hughes’s decision to select the right-handed defenseman with professional league experience at just 18, instead of Matvei Michkov or Ryan Leonard. But his play during Canadiens camp did pretty steady work of silencing any doubters; as he stood out as one of the best defenders, forget about just his age. The skating, edge work and confidence with the puck show a maturity in his game that is beyond his years.
Handling his development is immediately important above all else, because of where he was selected and the projection of what he could become in his prime years. So the decision to send him back to Switzerland for the 2023-24 season, is a testament to the confidence that Hughes and the Habs management have in the coaching staff of EHC Kloten.
One thing about the new management that really stands out is how prepared, calculated and studious they are, they leave no stone unturned in figuring out what is best for the development of their prospects.
There is a high likelihood that he could have made it onto the opening night roster, but the approach that was taken with Reinbacher could be very indicative of how his upcoming season goes.
He had the chance to familiarize himself with the speed, smaller ice and skill of NHL players during his preseason outings, and that should provide him with knowledge of exactly what areas he needs to improve, and which ones he could refine to present at camp next year and secure a role on the Canadiens opening night roster.
The maturity, skill and hockey IQ are there and that will remain regardless of where he plays, but playing top pair minutes will earn him more confidence and space to grow his game offensively. Growth was a big factor for Reinbacher as he grew an inch taller and added on some muscle mass, so playing with a bit more physicality should help him become an even more confident player.
It’s easy to see why he was the top-ranked defenseman for the 2023 Draft class and the growth that he has done through the camp, while a small sample, certainly presents hope for what he will do this season with EHC Kloten.
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