David Reinbacher (Photo by Montreal Canadiens PR)
It has been a season full of challenges and learning moments for Montreal Canadiens prospect David Reinbacher. After suffering a knee injury during the NHL preseason in September, Reinbacher has spent much of the year focusing on his recovery and adjusting to the pace of the AHL with the Laval Rocket.
Rather than rush back into action, the Canadiens’ development team took a patient approach, allowing the young defenseman time to heal properly and rebuild his game. Now, with the Rocket in the midst of a playoff push, Reinbacher is finally healthy and ready to contribute, taking important steps in his journey toward the NHL.
Reinbacher’s 24-25 season has been about more than just physical recovery — it’s been about growing his confidence, refining his defensive habits, and learning to trust his instincts again. With a playoff atmosphere heating up, every shift provides another opportunity to build experience.
Reinbacher and Laval head coach Pascal Vincent spoke about the importance of these moments, the lessons learned during his time injured, and the excitement that lies ahead as Reinbacher inches closer to his dream of playing full-time with the Canadiens.
Importance of Playing in The Playoffs
Now fully healthy, Reinbacher has embraced the pressure and energy that come with playoff hockey. For a young player working to find his footing in the AHL, there’s no better proving ground than meaningful games down the stretch. Reinbacher understands just how valuable this time is, not only for his development but for building the habits that will define his professional career.
“Really big, those are really important games. Every game I can play right now is a bonus for me. I’m feeling really good. Yeah, ready to go,” said Reinbacher in an one-on-one interview with RG. “I’m really happy. I’m feeling better than before, so, I’m confident that I can bring some good energy.”
Each shift Reinbacher takes is another opportunity to sharpen his instincts and rebuild the confidence that can only come from playing real minutes. Rather than hesitate, he’s looking to play assertively and trust what he sees on the ice — something he’s worked hard to regain following his injury.
“I mean, I just try to take what the game gives me, right, and take the opportunities,” added Reinbacher. “And if something opens up, I’m jumping in. I just need to play with confidence.”
While injuries can often leave a lingering mental hurdle, Reinbacher says the physical aspect is no longer an issue. After months of rehab and cautious steps forward, he’s now practicing and ready to play without fear.
“Yeah, it was the same knee. But, everything feels good now.”
From the Rocket bench, Pascal Vincent sees a young defenseman who isn’t just surviving games — he’s actively growing within them. Vincent made it clear that Reinbacher is being encouraged to take ownership of his game and show more of the offensive instincts that made him a top prospect.
“I encourage him to play his game. We know he has that offensive ability, and he’s showing it more and more when he’s on the ice at even strength and, of course, on the power play,” said Laval head coach Pascal Vincent. “We know he can bring offense to the group, and his transition game is already quite refined. It may not be as flashy as others, but he’s got the freedom to express himself on the ice, and he’s showing he can play at both ends.”
Still, even as Reinbacher gets more comfortable taking offensive chances, there’s a balance to be struck. Vincent emphasized that reinforcing defensive responsibility remains a priority, ensuring that Reinbacher develops into a complete, trustworthy presence on the ice.
“We want him to show more of his offensive ability, because there’s certainly more to uncover there, but he knows that we don’t want him cheating to produce offense at the expense of his defense and positioning,” continued Vincent. “But he plays such a mature game that we’ve never really had to say anything.”
Learning While Injured
While the injury kept the former 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft off the ice for an extended period, it didn’t slow down his development. Instead, the young blueliner took the opportunity to watch closely from the sidelines, absorbing lessons about the professional game that he believes have already helped him make smarter reads and faster decisions.
“Just small details. That’s a big key. If you do your job properly, and you take care of the details, it makes the lives of the other four guys on the ice way, way easier,” said Reinbacher. “If you stick to your game and really dial in, then those small details are what helps you win.”
Reinbacher didn’t just watch games — he became a student of the team’s systems, attending meetings and strategy sessions typically reserved for players in the lineup. It gave him a deeper understanding of not only his role but how all five players need to move as one unit.
“It was for sure a good option for me to see everything what they talk about in those meetings with Marty and them and learn about the strategy and different setups,” added Reinbacher.
As he returned to game action, Reinbacher found that his attention to detail, particularly in defensive situations, had sharpened. His focus now is winning battles, staying positionally sound, and making smart first passes to get his team moving up ice.
“In the D Zone, for me, it’s about winning the battles. That’s the biggest thing, uh, that’s a job, right? You want to win the puck and start the clean breakout to put your forwards in the best position to attack,” said Reinbacher. “It’s about winning more battles, improving my positioning and having my stick in the right place. I’m confident that I’ll be ready to take that step.”
Key to that progress has been the support of the Rocket coaching staff. Throughout his recovery and return, Reinbacher credits the open communication he’s had with Vincent and his assistants for helping him feel comfortable and confident in his decisions on the ice.
“Confidence. This coaching staff trusted me and gave me a chance. They trust my playing style, they talk a lot with me, and it’s helped me a lot,” said Reinbacher of his time in Laval. “I think having good conversations all the time together, especially coming into a close group, it helped me a lot, just like good communication.”
From Vincent’s perspective, Reinbacher’s eagerness to learn and adapt is part of what makes him so exciting as a prospect. His willingness to absorb feedback and implement it quickly has allowed him to keep growing, even during a season disrupted by injury.
“He’s an incredibly easy player to coach, very open to instruction, and he learns very quickly,” explained head coach Pascal Vincent. “That’s a skill in my books, to be able to listen and quickly adapt your game to what a coach is showing you.”
While some young players resist adjusting their game, Reinbacher has embraced the challenge. For Vincent and the Rocket staff, it’s clear they’re working with a player who wants to build a complete, well-rounded NHL game — and who’s willing to put in the work to get there.
“Some players have a style of play they’re more hesitant to deviate from, but, with Reinbacher, he’s here to learn and to be molded into a complete defenseman, and it’s shown on the ice,” added Vincent.
Playing With The Canadiens Soon
Looking ahead, Reinbacher remains focused on the moment but isn’t shy about looking forward to the future. Watching other Canadiens prospects make headlines — including standout defenseman Lane Hutson — has only fueled his excitement about what’s to come.
Still, for all the dreams of NHL ice time, Reinbacher is taking a grounded approach. After everything he’s been through this year, he knows better than most the importance of staying patient and appreciating the daily grind.
“I’m just enjoying myself. I went through some tough times with that injury, so right now, I’m just happy that I can play hockey. I don’t think I feel much pressure to perform. It’s just about enjoying every day, working hard, and yeah, just having a smile on your face.”
When it comes to defining what kind of player he wants to be, Reinbacher doesn’t hesitate. His identity is built around responsibility, reliability, and thriving under pressure — especially when games are on the line.
“I much prefer to be on the ice to defend the lead and help the guys out. I love being in this group. It’s so much fun, and the guys are awesome. So probably defending the lead.”
David Reinbacher’s steady progression is more than just a positive story — it’s a crucial part of the Montreal Canadiens’ long-term rebuild. As a big, mobile defenseman with a calm presence and growing offensive instincts, his ability to stay healthy and continue developing is essential for the organization’s future plans.
The Canadiens are building a young, dynamic core, and having a player like Reinbacher emerge as a dependable, two-way defender would help anchor their blue line for years to come. After overcoming a tough injury this season, his resilience and growth have proven that he can be a key piece in shaping the next competitive era in Montreal.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
