NHL Insider hints at Canadiens’ outlook on former 5th-overall pick David Reinbacher

A notable NHL insider has recently offered insights into the Montreal Canadiens’ current stance on the Austrian defenseman David Reinbacher, who was selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. After three difficult years of sitting at the bottom of the league standings, the Habs made a comeback to the postseason in 2024–25, all thanks to the development and maturation of their young core.As several players are still in their infancy, Montreal's future appears to be as promising as ever. However, an NHL insider has recently shared the team’s chance to be the fifth-overall pick. Let’s take a look at the Canadiens’ opinion on Reinbacher.

Montreal Canadiens to consider David Reinbacher as their fifth-overall pick

Reports suggest that the Montreal Canadiens are considering David Reinbacher as their fifth-overall pick for this season. As mentioned earlier, Ivan Demidov made his NHL debut late last season, which means most of the Canadiens’ top young players are already in the league. The biggest name still waiting for his chance is defenseman David Reinbacher, the team’s 2023 fifth-overall pick. Reinbacher has played parts of the past two seasons with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, and fans are curious about how the Canadiens view his progress and future.

Speaking about the defenseman’s prospect, NHL Insider Eric Engels said, "I think management feels David Reinbacher has a very bright future with the team and that he'll be a core member of it in short order.

No one has told me a specific plan, but it's obviously for him to show he belongs right now and do the best he possibly can, no matter where he starts the season.”He further added, "Scouts I speak to love his game. They think he does things at his age that you have to teach most defensemen his age.” As per reports, the 20-year-old signed a three-year, approximately $2,659,998 entry-level contract in 2023, but he hasn't used it up yet.

Revisiting David Reinbacher’s career stats

David Reinbacher is considered one of the Montreal Canadiens’ brightest young talents. After being drafted fifth overall in 2023, he made history as the highest-selected Austrian defenseman in the NHL and signed a three-year entry-level contract that same summer.

He is known for his sharp hockey sense, dependable two-way game, and composure in high-pressure situations. Reinbacher has honed his skills with EHC Kloten in Switzerland and the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

In 2024, he suffered a serious knee injury, which was a major setback for him. Also read: Who is Dustin Wolf, and what Olympic hopes mean for the Calgary Flames' goalie | NHL News - The Times of IndiaDespite his injury, he made a strong comeback in early 2025, demonstrating his defensive prowess that earned him his top prospect status. The Canadiens are taking a thoughtful approach, with hopes that he will evolve into a reliable top-four defenseman in the NHL soon.