David Reinbacher Shows Interest in Joining Laval Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens have seen a turnover in their roster over the past two seasons, and one player, likely to join the team this season, has made his intentions clear.

Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ scouting team took a significant gamble when they selected David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick. This move raised eyebrows, given the team’s depth on defense and the absence of elite forward talent.

Habs prospect David Reinbacher on potentially playing for the Laval Rocket this spring after his season ends with Kloten.

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The Canadiens haven’t fully witnessed Reinbacher’s potential, primarily due to external circumstances rather than his actual performance. Despite showing promise as an 18-year-old in the Swiss NL before being drafted, Reinbacher faced injury setbacks and a series of coaching changes this season. Nevertheless, he has displayed flashes of the skills that impressed Hughes and his team.

Fortunately, Reinbacher was only expected to return to Switzerland for one season to complete his studies. With the end of EHC Kloten’s season approaching, it’s almost certain that he will soon head to North America. His eagerness to join the Rocket and assist in their playoff push speaks volumes about his competitive nature.

While Reinbacher has been under the spotlight in Montreal since his draft, he has received less attention overseas. This allowed him to develop without distractions and the pressures of a hockey market like Montreal’s. However, transitioning to the North American hockey scene will undoubtedly present challenges for the young Austrian, despite displaying maturity beyond his years.

A transition period is expected, and he will need to adapt to the faster pace of play. Nevertheless, with proper coaching, Reinbacher has the potential to excel. Playoff experience with the Rocket will be crucial for his development and confidence, providing him with valuable experience to carry into his offseason training and his first full season in the AHL in 2024-25.

While making the Canadiens’ opening night roster isn’t out of the question, Reinbacher faces tough competition from players like Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron, Johnathan Kovacevic, and David Savard. However, the Canadiens’ faith in Reinbacher suggests he could surprise everyone come October.

While representing his country at the World Hockey Championships is an option, focusing on development with the Laval Rocket may be more beneficial in the long run. Despite the competition for playing time in Laval, internal competition will only enhance Reinbacher’s growth as a player.

While the Canadiens may not make the playoffs, the potential inclusion of prospects like Reinbacher could make the Rocket an intriguing team to watch in late March and early April.