David Reinbacher is adjusting to life with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League after an unexpected assignment from the Montreal Canadiens, stepping onto the ice for action of the season in a weekend series against the Syracuse Crunch. The young Austrian defenseman, whose demotion from the Canadiens’ main training camp surprised several observers who anticipated an opening-night roster spot possibly alongside Lane Hutson, is channeling his early disappointment into a renewed sense of on-ice confidence.
Laval Rocket Debut Against the Syracuse Crunch
During his outings with the Rocket, Reinbacher showed flashes of the skating and puck-moving ability. He carried the puck from his own zone into enemy territory, contributed in the offensive zone, and executed first passes along the boards. Yet the contest also brought early-season adversity. Reinbacher finished with a minus-one rating after being on the ice for a first-period goal by Syracuse, though the tally stemmed from a turnover caused by Alex Belzile rather than a defensive breakdown by the blueliner. Later in the match, during a third-period penalty kill, he took a penalty for shooting the puck into the stands while attempting a clearance, leading to a Syracuse goal on a double power-play.
First Comments on Demotion to the Development Circuit
Addressing reporters for the first time following his reassignment, Reinbacher emphasized that what stood out during his passage through the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp was the confidence he built both on and off the ice. While acknowledging the disappointment of not breaking into the main club’s formation, he made it clear that hesitation has no place in his development curve. “I have nothing to lose,” Reinbacher stated. “I don’t see why I wouldn’t continue to be confident. I know how good I can be and what I can do on the ice. I just have to work hard every day, smile, and enjoy the moment. It’s a process. If you fall, you have to get back up.”
Roster Crunch and Organizational Depth on Defense
Reinbacher’s assignment to Laval highlights a broader logjam on the Canadiens’ blue line. Observers had projected the right-shot defenseman to start the NHL campaign in Montreal, drawing parallels to Adam Engström’s path from the previous year. Instead, Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj—both of whom command larger contracts and carry more NHL experience—formed the third pairing. With external interest reportedly from the Nashville Predators regarding Xhekaj, Struble, and Engström, general manager Kent Hughes faces decisions regarding a surplus of defensive talent as the organization weighs immediate readiness against long-term potential.
Waiver Clearances and Training Camp Cuts in Montreal
Before sending players down, the Canadiens used the league's waiver wire by placing several players on waivers. Alex Belzile, Brett Berard, Kaapo Kahkonen, Hunter McKown, Sasha Pastujov, Samuel Poulin, Ethan Samson, Maksymilian Szuber, and Reilly Walsh all cleared waivers without being claimed by another NHL organization. That clean sweep allowed Daniel Jacob to welcome these players to Laval’s training camp roster. Meanwhile, in Montreal, head coach Martin St-Louis trimmed his camp roster by sending 12 players to the Rocket of Laval ahead of the final exhibition games against the Ottawa Senators, narrowing his selection down as the regular season approached.
Next Steps in the American Hockey League Schedule
Reinbacher and the Laval Rocket return to action on Saturday afternoon for another duel against the Syracuse Crunch, looking to build on the positives from the opening matchups. The team continues its early-season schedule as the young defenseman works toward earning a promotion to the NHL level.
Worth a look
