David Reinbacher: what if Montreal finally started to see what it can become?

There comes a time when a potential client is no longer just a name in pipeline and becomes a real opportunity for the organization. This is exactly what has been happening to David Reinbacher for the past few weeks. The young defender is no longer just developing in Laval; he's starting to look like he's getting ready to take the next step.

Drafted fifth overall in 2023, Reinbacher was touted as a long-term investment, the type of right-handed defenseman every team is looking for, but that takes time. This development was slowed significantly when he suffered a knee injury, which delayed his progress and adaptation to the North American game.

Despite that setback, his trajectory has stabilized: 11 games two years ago, 10 last year, then up to 12 games this season, with a growing load of responsibility and a clear sense of confidence.

David Reinbacher, who provided the lead assist on Del Gaiso's goal, now has nine points in 12 games this season.

Currently has 6 points in the last 4 games (game 4 is not over yet).

– Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) November 30, 2025

With his assist on Del Gaiso's goal in the Rocket's game against Hershey today, Reinbacher now brings his total to nine points in 12 games this season. He also has a strong scoring record, with six points in his last four games.

And tonight, in the Rocket's 4-3 win over Hershey, he found a way to contribute again. Nothing spectacular, just productive, thoughtful, stable hockey. It's details like these that add up and tell a story. Reinbacher no longer suffers from rhythm, he controls it. Nine points in twelve games. Regular production. More aggressive game. We are no longer talking about a youngster trying to keep up, but a player who is starting to fully master his current level.

Final score
Final score pic.twitter.com/nk9FMWMy7j

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 1, 2025

And when a player masters his level, the question arises: what does this mean for him?

For Reinbacher, a possible recall to the Canadiens won't be a reward or a symbolic gesture. This will be a structured test, the first real assessment of where he stands in terms of the club's development. A review will mean a few specific things.

Firstly, the organization considers him worthy of the first example of the NHL, and not just an emergency game. Montreal would like to see if he can play calmly under pressure, make simple decisions when the structure collapses, and if he can maintain the same presence as he did in Laval. We would not ask him to dominate, but simply to be reliable.

Second, the recall will mean Montreal will begin to evaluate the reality of the future, not just the potential.

A recall would also be an important psychological step for him. For a young defenseman, going to the NHL, even for 6-10 games, changes your perspective. You'll discover real speed, execution, and the punishment associated with bad decisions. This is where the gap between the willing and the able often becomes apparent. And sometimes such challenges accelerate progress faster than another 40 games in the AHL.

This feedback will also send a clear signal that he is now part of the conversation. Not for tomorrow morning, not for a 22-minute role, but on the way to the main team.

And for Montreal? This will mark the transition to the next stage of reconstruction.

What makes all this interesting is that we're not talking about a player who breaks through with extravagant stats, but a defender who wins positions with consistency and maturity. He doesn't force anything. He plays his role, and his role has value.

Reinbacher hasn't earned his place in the NHL yet, but he's getting closer with every game. If he continues to improve like this, the Canadiens will sooner or later have to offer him his first real audition. And given the rate of his progress, this discussion is no longer hypothetical, but will soon appear on the calendar.

after a while

– Incredible at 18 years old!

Just in case you need more information about what a ridiculous season Matthew Schaefer is having. pic.twitter.com/1l2yoiZfoN

– BarDown (@BarDown) December 1, 2025

– McLean Celebrini is great. [TVA Sports]

– Not ideal.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Justin Herbert has a broken left arm. pic.twitter.com/jVz7sHJPh2

– RDS (@RDSca) December 1, 2025

– Let's see how it goes.

We now know when he'll play his first game on the Bettman Circuit since January. 2024https://t.co/5C4SPUy6HI

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 1, 2025

– Not an easy decision.