Canadiens send defenceman David Reinbacher to Laval Rocket

The player chosen as the 5th overall pick in the NHL Draft last year had a less than impressive performance in the recent season while playing for Kloten HC in the Swiss-A league.

David Reinbacher is headed to Laval

The Canadiens revealed on Monday that the defenseman picked as the No. 5 overall draft selection in last year’s NHL Draft will join the AHL’s Laval Rocket after a disappointing season with Kloten HC in the Swiss-A league.

Kloten HC ended the regular season with the second-worst record (17-29-6) in the 14-team Swiss-A league and underwent changes with three head coaches: Gerry Fleming, Larry Mitchell, and Stefan Mair. Reinbacher recorded 1 goal and 10 assists for a total of 11 points in 35 regular-season games.

“David suffered an early injury in the season, had a slow return, and faced challenges as a top pick,” mentioned Canadiens GM Kent Hughes on The Sick Podcast in December. “Players tend to feel the pressure to exceed expectations placed on them, but it’s crucial for them to stay true to their strengths and focus on enhancing their existing abilities rather than changing themselves. This approach is vital for player development.”

Reinbacher will now further his progress with the Rocket, who have 12 games left in the regular season. With a 27-25-8 record, they are just three points behind the fifth and final playoff position in the North Division.

The Rocket is set to face the Belleville Senators in back-to-back away games on Friday and Saturday, followed by a visit to the Toronto Marlies on Sunday.

The Canadiens boast a deep roster of young defensemen, as highlighted by head coach Martin St. Louis during training camp. This depth influenced the decision to send Reinbacher back to Switzerland for a second season after he achieved 3 goals, 19 assists, and 22 total points in 46 games with Kloten HC in the 2022-23 season.

St. Louis expressed, “I believe that allowing him to play significant minutes (in Switzerland), including power play time, was crucial. These opportunities wouldn’t have been readily available to him here. Sending him back was the best option for his development this year. I was impressed by his performance in training camp. He lived up to expectations, and I am genuinely pleased with his progress.”