Over the weekend, the Laval Rocket were knocked out of the Calder Cup Playoffs, and with the AHL season now over for them, the Montreal Canadiens had the option to recall players to finish the playoffs with them. That group was announced on Monday with four players designated as the black aces, including David Reinbacher.
The other three players were defenseman Adam Engstrom and forwards Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj. While all four spent a majority of the season in the AHL, each of them did appear in games this season with the Montreal Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens now have options for their blueline as the playoffs move on
The fact that these four players are now with the Canadiens doesn't guarantee they will be playing in any games during the playoffs. This is essentially a practice squad type elevation that allows the players to practice with the team and be ready if the need were to arise.
Among the players, though, Engstrom and Reinbacher create intriguing options for Martin St. Louis over the remainder of the playoffs. Up to this point of the playoffs, the blueline has been great, and there isn't any reason to make a change.
However, if the Canadiens want another defenseman on the ice who can move the puck well, a player like David Reinbacher could make sense. Right now, the Canadiens have had Arber Xhekaj for that sixth spot since Noah Dobson made his return. Xhekaj has done a great job with limited minutes in this role and brought the physicality that is needed in the playoffs.
The Canadiens have no reason to make any changes to their lines with how well they are playing and all the momentum in their favor. The playoffs, though is a marathon and not a sprint with things changing pretty easily. If that happens, the Canadiens are better equipped to handle that now with players like Reinbacher and Engstrom with them to step into the lineup.
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