
The prognostic is finally out for young Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher, and it's not a good one.

Lost in the commotion of the Montreal Canadiens' big off-season acquisition, Patrik Laine, being injured on Saturday night was that the team's fifth-overall pick at the 2023 draft, David Reinbacher, was also injured.
Since this weekend, Laine's predicament has made the headlines, but this morning, the Canadiens finally gave an update on the young defenseman's injury. The blueliner suffered a knee injury and had to undergo surgery this morning. His recovery period is expected to be between five and six months.
This is terrible news for the young rearguard, who was about to play his first complete pro season in North America after spending the last two seasons in the Swiss professional league.
A knee operation is serious business, and given the expected recovery time, it's quite possible that his season could be over. Six months would bring him to the start of April. Is there a point in throwing someone in the deep end so late in the day when they are not yet in game shape? I doubt it.
Having guided Kirby Dach through a knee surgery rehabilitation last season, the organization won't be puzzled about handling the youngster. Keeping Dach involved and around the team tremendously helped the center not to get too down on himself last season; the same has to be done for Reinbacher.
Déjà Vu: Canadiens Lose Patrik Laine Four Minutes Into Saturday Night GameCanadiens: About the Harris-Laine Trade
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens