All summer long, David Reinbacher trained with a singular goal in mind: not to continue his development with the Laval Rocket, but to wear the Montreal Canadiens jersey for the first game of the regular season.
“That’s been my mindset; I trained for that all summer,” the Canadiens prospect said in an interview with TVASports.ca. “There will be stiff competition with the other players who are healthy, and that will push us to another level.”
So much so that the Austrian is also gradually searching for an apartment as the training camp in Montreal approaches: “I still have time; it doesn’t worry me too much,” he explained.
It’s clear that the main player understands the ambitious nature of his goal, especially given the crowded defense lineup. Here are all the contenders, whose positions are not secure: Jordan Harris, Justin Barron, Logan Mailloux, Lane Hutson, Adam Engstrom, Jayden Struble, and possibly even Arber Xhekaj, who spent last season in the American Hockey League.
Still, there is a sense of confidence in Reinbacher that emerges more from calmness than arrogance; what English speakers refer to as calm confidence.
Reinbacher spent the summer training in Switzerland with NHL players Nico Hischier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Pius Suter, and Janis Moser. With the assistance of physiotherapists, his knee issues have been resolved.
“I have no more problems with my knees,” he said with a smile. “They did an excellent job. I also recovered very well from my hand injury. I feel very confident going into training camp.”
Gone are the studies on headhunting he was undertaking the year he was drafted, as well as the internship at INSTEQ, a human resources consulting firm. Reinbacher has focused entirely on hockey. He has diligently worked to improve the aspects of his game he identified as needing enhancement: his skating, board play, stick handling in the defensive zone, and his shot.
“I want to develop a harder shot to become a greater threat on the ice,” he stated.
Reinbacher prepares for camp –
Reinbacher had a mixed 2023-24 season, marked by injuries and the struggles of Kloten, his Swiss club, which saw three different head coaches throughout the season. He managed to dispel doubts and showcase convincing play by finishing the year in Laval.
In retrospect, it’s debatable whether the decision to send Reinbacher back to Europe last season was the correct one.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, but I learned valuable lessons from it,” the young player remarked. “I’m pleased with how it ended in Laval. Maybe it was the right decision or maybe not, but it’s hard to say in hindsight.”
Unfazed by Michkov
Two years ago, fans reacted negatively to Reinbacher’s selection as the fifth overall pick, as many clamored for the Russian forward Matvei Michkov. There were outbursts and insults that Reinbacher could have done without.
With Michkov’s NHL debut on the horizon, if the Flyers’ star becomes a dominant force in his rookie year, Reinbacher’s selection in the 2023 draft will undoubtedly be scrutinized again.
However, Reinbacher is untroubled by the prospect.
“I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever,” he asserted. “We are two different players. He is an excellent player; that much is clear. I would say I’m more excited about the prospect of facing him one day.”
When the Canadiens selected Russian forward Ivan Demidov last summer, many viewed it as a positive for Reinbacher, as it somewhat reconciled fans with the selection made in 2023.
“It didn’t relieve any pressure from my shoulders,” he clarified. “It’s just what the Canadiens decided to do. That’s their choice and their plan. It’s in their hands.”
A Major League Shot from David Reinbacher! –
Against Slafkovsky?
Before arriving in Montreal, Reinbacher will first stop in Slovakia, where the Olympic qualifiers for the 2026 Winter Games will be held in Bratislava.
With Austria placed in the same group as Slovakia, Reinbacher may face Juraj Slafkovsky. It remains uncertain whether the Canadiens will permit their young forward to participate in the tournament.
“Maybe we’ll exchange some playful banter [chirps] on the ice,” Reinbacher suggested.
Currently living with his parents in Switzerland, Reinbacher seems prepared for the adult life ahead of him and claims to be a competent cook.
“I’m doing very well in that regard. Let’s just say that, among the worries I could have, it’s not very high on the list.”
When asked about the quality of his French, he appeared slightly more concerned.
“Oh… that’s not good! But I want to take classes when I get here,” he promised, wrapping up the interview moments later with a sincere “thank you.”
Here’s how to earn points.
David Reinbacher: The Rising Star of the Montreal Canadiens
All summer, David Reinbacher trained with one idea in mind: to wear the Montreal Canadiens jersey during the first game of the regular season.
“That’s been my mentality; I trained for that all summer,” said the CH prospect in an interview with TVASports.ca. “There will be a hot fight with the other guys that will be healthy and will push us to another level.”
Reinbacher’s determination is evident as he begins shopping for an apartment in Montreal as training camp approaches: “I still have time, it doesn’t worry me too much,” he mentions, hinting at his confidence in making the team this season.
Competition at the Blue Line
The path to making the Canadiens’ roster is rife with competition. Reinbacher faces several talented defensemen including:
- Jordan Harris
- Justin Barron
- Logan Mailloux
- Lane Hutson
- Adam Engstrom
- Jayden Struble
- Arber Xhekaj
Despite this, there is a calm confidence about Reinbacher. He trained in Switzerland with NHL players like Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler, and he credits their mentorship for his improvement.
Health and Preparation
“I have no more problems with my knees,” he said happily. “They really did a great job. I also recovered very well from my hand injury. I’m really confident going into training camp.”
Having shifted his focus solely to hockey, Reinbacher worked on key areas of his game:
- Skating
- Corner work
- Defensive zone stick handling
- Improving shooting power
“I want to get a heavier shot so I’m a bigger threat on the ice,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing his offensive capabilities.
Reflecting on Past Seasons
While Reinbacher had a mixed 2023-24 season, he gained valuable experience, especially after ending the season on a strong note with the Laval Rocket. “It sure wasn’t easy, but I learned some good lessons from it,” he said.
Controversy of the Draft
Reinbacher was picked fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, a selection that was met with mixed reactions from Canadiens fans who wanted Russian forward Matvei Michkov instead. The looming specter of Michkov’s potential success in the league continues to follow Reinbacher.
“I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever,” he waves off concerns, acknowledging their differences. “We are two different players. He is a very good player, we know that. I am looking forward to facing him, eventually.”
Pre-Season Activities: Olympic Qualifiers
Before joining the Canadiens for the NHL season, Reinbacher will represent Austria at the Olympic qualifiers in Slovakia. This presents a unique opportunity to showcase his skills against notable talents like Juraj Slafkovsky.
“Maybe we’ll tease each other [chirps] a little bit on the ice,” he mused about their potential match-up.
Settling into Life in Montreal
As he prepares for life in Montreal, Reinbacher shared his culinary skills, indicating he is a good cook: “I’m doing very well on that side. Let’s just say that, among the worries I could have, it’s not very high on the list.”
However, he acknowledged the need to improve his French for a seamless transition to the new city, committing to take classes upon arrival: “Oh… that’s not good! But I want to take classes when I get here,” he said.
Goals for the Upcoming Season
Reinbacher’s aspirations for the upcoming season are not just about making the team but also performing at a consistently high level.
- Emphasize Skill Development: Focus on continuous improvement in all aspects of his game.
- Build Chemistry with Teammates: Foster strong relationships with existing defensemen and forwards.
- Contribute on the Scoreboard: Aim to make an impact with his offensive skills, especially through better shooting.
Conclusion
As David Reinbacher steps into this pivotal stage of his career, his training and preparation indicate a promising future. With the Montreal Canadiens firmly in his sights, fans can look forward to seeing how this young defenseman develops.
