Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher answered lingering questions about his readiness during a preseason performance in Toronto, delivering an efficient showing that could help address a persistent roster need on the right side of the blue line. Selected fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 21-year-old Austrian player has endured developmental delays due to injuries over the past two seasons before displaying newfound poise in training camp.
Preseason Confidence Translates to Ice Time
Questions surrounding Reinbacher’s psychological readiness for the NHL arose days before the game when he answered a reporter’s query about his preparation by stating, “You will see this weekend…” Associate coach Derek Lalonde, running the bench during the preseason matchup in Toronto while Martin St-Louis managed a simultaneous split-squad game in Montreal, praised the young blueliner’s performance.
“One of our best defenders,” Lalonde said of Reinbacher following the game. The outing offered a stark contrast to previous seasons in the organization, where team management frequently encouraged the defender to display more vocal leadership and on-ice assertiveness.
Roster Implications and Right-Side Needs
The Canadiens entered the fall carrying only two right-handed defensemen of NHL caliber, frequently forcing left-shot players like Lane Hutson or Kaiden Guhle onto their off-side to fill gaps. While Montreal bolstered the right side by acquiring Noah Dobson via trade—sending two first-round picks in 2025 to do so—and adding Alexandre Carrier, head coach Martin St-Louis has continued searching for a reliable sixth defenseman.
Internal options for the bottom pairing have featured Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble rotating through the role. Xhekaj provides physical play but remains vulnerable defensively, while Struble offers greater reliability without the same physical intimidation factor. Adam Engström, 22, has also progressed and can play the right side, though he shoots left like the majority of the organization’s prospect pool.
Developmental Path and Reduced Pressure
Reinbacher spent last winter with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League to rebuild momentum after injuries stalled his progress. Because Montreal’s rebuild has yielded elite young stars like Juraj Slafkovský and Ivan Demidov, Reinbacher avoided the intense public scrutiny usually directed at top-five selections.
The presence of established blueliners like Dobson and Carrier in the top four—alongside Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson—relieves considerable pressure from Reinbacher’s shoulders. Observers note he is no longer burdened with expectations of becoming a franchise cornerstone on the tier of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, selected sixth overall in 2019.
An injury to Kaiden Guhle, who is sidelined for the opening weeks of the regular season, has opened a tangible path for Reinbacher to secure a roster spot. Analysts frequently compare his trajectory to that of Adam Larsson, selected fourth overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2011, who developed into a durable, defensively sound NHL veteran logging heavy minutes without heavy offensive production.
Outlook for the Regular Season
Should Reinbacher secure a spot on the opening night roster, team observers emphasize that expectations must remain measured. With Hutson and Dobson anchoring the power play units, Reinbacher’s primary deployment will center on even-strength stability, penalty killing, and efficient transition play rather than offensive zone starts.
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