The most NHL ready defenseman in the 2023 NHL Draft could be a prime target for the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are severely lacking a true top defensive prospect. With the progressions of Ty Smith and P.O. Joseph graduating them to NHL players, the pool of young talent is even thinner. That could be rectified if the Penguins were able to draft defenseman David Reinbacher with their first round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. 

Essentials:

2022-23 Team: Kloten (Switzerland)

Position: Defense

Height and Weight: 6’2, 187 pounds

Shoots: Right

NHL Central Scouting: 5th (among European skaters)

The Hockey News: 15th

Elite Prospects: 12th

2022-23 Stats: 46 GP, 3 G, 19 A, 22 P

Player Breakdown: 

Reinbacher is the best defenseman available in the 2023 NHL Draft, and it doesn’t feel particularly close. Reinbacher is an NHL ready defenseman, who displays an incredible intuition and anticipation in the defensive zone. He is an absolute menace to play against, with a particularly next level ability to stifle offensive chances before they fully develop.

He’s tall at slightly over 6’2, and plays with a rangy and active stick. His skating is above average as well, displaying fluid hips and sound technique. Forwards have a hell of a time trying to beat Reinbacher to the inside anywhere in the offensive zone. He’ll easily become his coach’s most trusted defenseman wherever he plays.

Coming along is his offensive game as well. Putting up 22 points as a 17-18-year-old in the Swiss professional league is an incredible accomplishment, and he displayed an above average one-timer and a knack for putting the puck on net. He projects to be a second power play defensemen, but he has the skills and potential to be a first power play quarterback.

Above all else, when you watch Reinbacher, you see a two-way defenseman who can excel in all situations. He is an exceptional puck mover and can generate breakouts with ease, but he's also just as reliable in his own end. He's a player that is overlooked, but he projects to be the most stable and long-term defenseman in this year's draft. 

What Needs to Improve:

Right now, you’re not drafting Reinbacher solely for his offensive upside. He has a powerful shot that he can put on net, but don’t expect him to be your top power play quarterback at the NHL level quite yet.

Still, he has potential to improve and become that, especially with how smart he is on the ice. He needs to find a way to be a little more creative in the offensive zone, rather than being penciled in for a slap shot from the point. If he can add that versatility to his toolkit, he’ll only elevate the floor of his potential.

NHL Player Comparison: Filip Hronek or Brett Pesce

NHL ETA: 2023-24

Reinbacher stands out as the lone defenseman in this draft that could play in the NHL this upcoming season. Playing in the professional league in Switzerland, Reinbacher proved he could compete against full grown men, and managed to put up better numbers in his draft year than fellow Swiss defender Roman Josi did in his. Whatever team drafts Reinbacher will have a top six defenseman immediately, with only room to grow into a top four or perhaps even top pairing player.

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