The pressure of becoming a franchise cornerstone in hockey-crazed Montreal is immense, and for David Reinbacher, that pressure just might become the fuel he needs to soar. After a rocky start marred by injuries and inconsistency, the Montreal Canadiens are betting big that a fully healthy Reinbacher will finally blossom into the elite defenseman they envisioned when they selected him fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Canadiens’ front office has long viewed Reinbacher as a critical piece of their long-term rebuild. His combination of size, mobility, and poise with the puck is rare, and scouts have raved about his hockey IQ and maturity since his early days playing in Europe. But the transition to North American hockey hasn’t been smooth. Between limited ice time, injuries, and an AHL stint, fans began to wonder if Reinbacher was falling short of expectations.
Now, with a clean bill of health and a full summer of off-ice training ahead, Reinbacher enters the 2025–26 season with a fresh start—and a mountain of opportunity. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes remains optimistic and is doubling down on his belief that Reinbacher can anchor the blue line alongside Kaiden Guhle for years to come. “We believe in David, and we believe that with the right development, he can be a true difference-maker in this league,” Hughes said during a recent media availability.
Insiders close to the team say the Canadiens have mapped out a carefully tailored plan to ensure Reinbacher gets the minutes, mentorship, and systems support he needs to thrive. With Martin St. Louis preaching patience and resilience, the hope is that the 6-foot-3 Austrian will regain his confidence and start asserting himself more physically in his own zone—while also showcasing the offensive instincts that made him a top draft target.
What makes this moment even more crucial is that the Habs are entering a critical evaluation phase. With multiple first-round picks developing and a fanbase hungry for progress, Montreal can no longer afford stagnation. Reinbacher’s emergence could be the difference between another year of growing pains and a serious push for a playoff berth. Teammates are already noticing a difference in his attitude and leadership off the ice. “He’s more vocal, more driven,” said defense partner Arber Xhekaj. “He knows what’s expected of him, and he’s ready to rise to the challenge.”
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Reinbacher. The Canadiens’ rebuild has been a rollercoaster, but if Reinbacher finds his stride, Montreal could soon boast one of the most promising defensive cores in the NHL. One thing is certain: the Canadiens are banking on their young blueliner not just to develop—but to lead.