Montreal Canadiens Assign David Reinbacher To Laval Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens assigned 2023 fifth overall selection David Reinbacher to the Laval Rocket, the club announced on Monday morning.

Reinbacher comes over from Switzerland after a rather tumultuous season with HC Kloten in the NL. He didn’t necessarily play poorly, however, his club failed to qualify for the playoffs. And they waited to see whether they would need to partake in a play-in round.

Fortunately for the Rocket, they didn’t have to which means he will get in some games in North America. If the Rocket so happen to clinch a berth in the playoffs, he will also get some crucial experience, likely slotting onto the second pair behind Logan Mailloux on the right side. He won’t likely debut right away; as the development staff will want him to get in a practice or two beforehand. 

With that being said, though, the Habs’ brass will finally get to see Reinbacher in regular-season action. Despite it being long-awaited, and perceived as the wrong decision for his development, it has allowed him to play loose without the pressure of Montreal. Reinbacher will provide a steady presence on Laval’s blueline and his mobility and edges are sure to be a complement to the offensive attack. 

It’s easy to compare him to forwards taken after him, especially when you take into account the Canadiens' need for help up front. But he provides a solid piece for the future and he gives the Canadiens an option down the road to trade another defender for forward help. But let's not forget that he has played two seasons of hockey in a professional league and he is only 19 years old. 

The potential to grow and what he will develop into was the onus put into his selection by Kent Hughes. Like Juraj Slafkovsky in 2022, the Canadiens opted for the player they feel will be developed into one of the best players from the draft class in his prime. Reinbacher has all the tools; a solid two-way game, great mobility and vision, so there’s certainly promise that he develops into a mainstay on the Canadiens defence in the years to come. 

In the meantime, the Rocket have a very deep right side with Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron and David Reinbacher. I mentioned Reinbacher ahead of Barron, and while that might not happen right away, I believe that they will want to see him play. Buried on the third pair doesn’t make a lot of sense unless, of course, JF Houle rolls his three defence pairs. 

Nevertheless, Reinbacher is finally in North America and he will be a welcomed addition to Laval’s playoff push.