Laval, Quebec – David Reinbacher, the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round pick in 2023, is focused on regaining his form with the American Hockey League’s Rocket de Laval, as the Canadiens assess their needs ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. While Montreal doesn’t currently face immediate pressure to make moves, the organization is evaluating potential additions that could impact the development of its young players, including Reinbacher.
Reinbacher’s development has been hampered by two seasons lost to injury, potentially creating a need for a right-handed defenseman at the NHL level. Currently playing extensively for the Rocket, Reinbacher has stepped into a key role on the first power-play unit following an injury to teammate Adam Engström, who is expected to be sidelined for a month with an upper-body injury.
“I feel really confident,” Reinbacher said, according to Radio-Canada. “I’m becoming the player I was before, and that makes me smile. I can beat anyone. No matter who’s on the other side, it’s me who leads, period. I’m just trying to prove that it was the right decision, and I think I’m getting there.”
The “right decision” refers to the Canadiens selecting Reinbacher fifth overall in the 2023 draft. His coach, Pascal Vincent, acknowledges the challenge Reinbacher faces in filtering out external noise – criticism, doubt, and speculation – and concentrating on his own improvement. “Everyone wants to offer their opinion and everyone wants to show that they know more than the other,” Vincent told Radio-Canada. “I don’t care what those people say, because I know I’m going to become a heck of a player.”
Reinbacher is working to rebuild his game in North America and rediscover the strengths that made him a high draft pick. He is on track to play the most games in a single season of his career. However, he too faces the challenge of convincing the Canadiens that he remains a core part of their long-term plans, negating the need to acquire another right-handed defenseman.
Recent Canadiens’ roster moves, including the acquisition of Noah Dobson and the contract extension for Mike Matheson, have narrowed Reinbacher’s path to a top-two pairing in Montreal. The emergence of other promising defensemen, such as Bryce Pickford and Adam Engström, further complicates his future with the team, according to LetsGoHabs.com. Some analysts suggest Reinbacher could become a trade asset if the Canadiens pursue a significant offensive upgrade.
The trade deadline presents a less stressful environment for Rocket players than their NHL counterparts, though they are aware of the potential impact of transactions. Owen Beck, another Canadiens prospect playing for Laval, emphasized the importance of focusing on individual development. “You’re always looking for the next opportunity, the next chance, but it’s never just given to you. You have to earn it and, unfortunately, take someone else’s place,” Beck said. “The only thing I can focus on is working on my game and making sure it’s at the right level, that it’s consistent.”
Vincent is emphasizing foundational elements of Beck’s game, particularly his penalty-killing ability, as a means of distinguishing himself. “He’s understanding what he needs to do to become that player,” Vincent said. “It’s the typical case of a player – he won the Memorial Cup, he had solid skills at the junior level, he was putting up points – who comes here and hits the funnel. And then you have to find a way to stand out.”
The Canadiens’ decisions in the coming days will reveal the organization’s level of patience with Reinbacher and its commitment to his development.
