Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 4:16 am GMT
In a significant blow to the Montreal Canadiens, rookie defenseman David Reinbacher is expected to miss five to six months following surgery on his left knee. The injury occurred during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Reinbacher was hit awkwardly. As the Canadiens prepare for the upcoming season, this development adds uncertainty to their defensive lineup.
Injury Details and Surgery
Reinbacher, who was drafted fifth overall in the previous year’s NHL Draft, sustained his injury early in the first period of the Canadiens’ 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday. The unfortunate incident happened when he was knocked down by Toronto’s Marshall Rifai. Following the hit, the Canadiens promptly announced that Reinbacher required surgery.
The surgery took place Tuesday morning, and the team later confirmed that the recovery timeline would keep him sidelined for the majority of the 2024 season. This time frame means Reinbacher will likely miss crucial games and remains uncertain whether he will rejoin the team later this season or begin fresh for the following year.
Impact on the Team
The loss of Reinbacher is particularly significant for the Canadiens. The team was looking forward to his contributions as he was poised to play a key role, likely starting the season with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
Here are some key points regarding Reinbacher’s situation:
- He is just 19 years old and was a promising player drafted fifth overall.
- Reinbacher’s performance included two goals and three assists over 11 games with Laval last season, showcasing his potential.
- His injury comes at a time when the Canadiens are building their roster for success.
The Canadiens are now tasked with filling this gap in their defense as they navigate the upcoming season without one of their young stars. His absence will challenge the team’s defensive strategies and might impact their overall performance.
Other Injury Updates
Reinbacher was not the only player to face a setback during the preseason match against Toronto. Winger Patrik Laine also left the game after a collision that involved a knee-on-knee hit with Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré. The team is expected to provide more updates on Laine’s condition soon, raising further concerns about potential impacts on team dynamics and player availability.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Canadiens will need to depend on the depth of their roster while Reinbacher recovers. The organization has been proactive in nurturing young talent, and this incident might open up opportunities for other players to step up during Reinbacher’s absence.
The Canadiens coaching staff may consider calling up players from the Laval Rocket to fill the void left in the defensive line. It could also prompt the team to look for external reinforcements, depending on their early season performance and needs.
Conclusion
David Reinbacher’s surgery and recovery period outline a significant challenge for the Montreal Canadiens as they enter the 2024 season. The organization has high hopes for the young talent, and his absence will be felt both on and off the ice. As the team waits for news on both Reinbacher and Laine, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the Canadiens adapt to these challenges.
The Canadiens will need to show their strength when times get tough. They want to stay strong and do well in the upcoming season.
