Nothing went according to plan for David Reinbacher this season, he didn't plan to lose the campaign to a serious knee injury, but at least, his recovery time was quicker than expected.
Montreal Canadiens' prospect David Reinbacher was looking forward to playing his first pro season in North America this season, but the injury ninja had other plans. In a Sept. 28, 2024 preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens' fifth overall pick at the 2023 draft fell awkwardly after being hit and he was supposed to miss five or six months of action according to the early prognostics.
A few days ago however (on Feb. 14), Vincent Demuy reported that Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent had said he expects the young Austrian to be back in the lineup within one or two weeks.
On Tuesday, the Rocket's coach even said he could be ready as soon as Wednesday night. Given the seriousness of the injury and the fact Reinbacher hasn't played at all this season, he shouldn't be expected to make the jump to the NHL this season, he needs to get back into the swing of things and he has plenty to learn about the North-American game.
He has only played 11 games with the Rocket at the end of the 2023-24 season and didn't look like a blueliner ready to make the jump to the big league. The fact he has recovered quicker than expected will be great for his development, especially since there should be room in the Canadiens' roster next season with David Savard's contract running out at the end of the season (if he's not traded before then).
It seems unlikely Reinbacher could be ready to step up and fill his skates next season, but never say never. It's not like Logan Mailloux has been particularly impressive in the NHL either. Whatever happens though, the rearguard will need as much ice time as possible to make up for lost time. Even though the youngster spent the season around the team, took part in meetings and learnt to be a pro, there's nothing like taking part in games to develop a player.
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