Montreal Canadiens: Incredible Amount Of Reinforcements Coming Over Next Two Seasons
David Reinbacher
David Reinbacher is ahead of the developmental curve for defenders, he is already a fantastic defenseman in his own zone, and he protects the front of the net well.
He appeared to be a little bit shy in the offensive zone during his rookie season in the NL, putting more of a priority on defending and acclimating to the professional game, which is normal for an 18-year-old, let alone any player coming into a new league.
Reinbacher was impressive at Habs camp and showcased the skill, poise and smarts that earned the distinction of being drafted fifth overall. He kept pace with the opposition, and his great reads aided him well when defending against the rush and in his own zone.
The talent looks like it will soon take over, and his offensive game should take off. His mobility and wherewithal to keep his head up and scan before making a play is there, and he has solid passing skills and a heavy shot.
Another year with HC Kloten should do him well, while I did feel that staying in North America to adjust to the ice size and less space to create, would have served him well. Anyhow, he will play big minutes, perhaps on both the penalty kill and power play and have every opportunity to sharpen his skills.
I expect he will challenge for a spot on the Canadiens’ blueline next season, and eventually find his way into a top-four role.
2025-26 Arrivals
William Trudeau
William Trudeau led the Laval blueline in 2022-23 and for all intents and purposes, he was their top defenseman. He used a great offseason to get stronger and faster, to better prepare for the season ahead, and try to push for a spot on the Canadiens roster. It looked to work, and he stood out at Habs camp, showing off great reads in both zones and showing great mobility along with a willingness to activate and support the rush to the offensive zone.
I think he could possibly push for a roster spot next season, but because of the depth on the left side, he likely won’t play above the third pairing. When Hutson arrives, I don’t see him beating out the latter for a roster spot, so the opportunity isn’t really there. With that said, barring a handful of injuries on the Canadiens blueline, I see him pushing for a spot in 2024-25, and while I believe he is an NHL defenseman, I don’t see a future in Montreal, because of the left-shot defenders already in Montreal, and the previously mentioned one whose talent puts him ahead on the depth chart.
Jayden Struble
Jayden Struble is set to embark on his first full season with the Rocket, after he played a handful of games, after signing his Entry Level Contract, putting a bow on his college hockey career. His strength and mobility have taken big strides since he was drafted in 2019, which is not much of a surprise because he looked like a man-child when the Canadiens selected him. He didn’t present as an offensive producer, but his mobility and abrasive physical style around the net and along the boards make him a solid depth defenseman.
I feel like there is room for a little bit more, and because he is so young, there might be room for him to develop more of a shooter mentality and confidence with the puck on his stick. The more touches he gets, and opportunities to create plays and use his shot will benefit him, and he just needs to take the bull by the horns. He is a strong kid with a heavy shot, and he is very nimble-footed, I think two seasons with the Rocket will give him ample time to develop, without rushing things.