2023 5th overall pick David Reinbacher undergoes surgery: out for most of the year

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Daniel Lucente
October 1, 2024 (2:00 PM)

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The news just went from bad to worse for the Montreal Canadiens, as they have just found out their top prospect is going to miss most of the season.

It was during the final minutes of a preseason game on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs that Montreal Canadiens prospect David Reinbacher suffered a severe injury, with his long-term availability in question. That confirmation came Tuesday morning when it was announced Reinbacher had surgery on his left knee and would be out for approximately five to six months, no less of a tough blow for the Canadiens' young defender.

At only 19, Reinbacher was the fifth overall pick by the Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Draft, evidence of high hopes for what his future should hold. He was preparing for his first full professional season in North America after a promising year that saw him split 46 games between both HC Kloten in Switzerland and the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Meanwhile, no word on Patrik Laine, who took an injury hit early in the first period. Laine, 26, was brought into the Canadiens as a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on August 19. The trade also sent a 2026 second-round draft to the Habs from the Blue Jackets in return for defender Jordan Harris. Laine has really struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons, playing just 18 games last year and 73 in total over his last two combined.

The fact that Reinbacher is out with his surgery to repair a knee and Laine is out for an undetermined amount of time surely creates a big problem for the Canadiens, as both were supposed to be key players this season. As Reinbacher was recovering from knee surgery, the status of Laine is not as clear, which might force the team's management to revise their strategy as to how to fill in these important spots within the lineup.

The Canadiens will struggle to deal with two crucial injuries to important players. Now, there is focus on the return of David Reinbacher in five to six months and the hope for positive news about Patrik Laine, as the team tries to deal with early-season setbacks.