David Reinbacher is Switzerland's player of the year

The Canadiens made David Reinbacher their first overall pick of the 2023 auction. Since then, he’s won the hearts of Montreal fans. Not all, but most.

We’ve seen him in action a few times, and the organization has every reason to be proud of its acquisition. Three days ago, defenseman Noah Delémont and Simon Knak were named finalists for the Swiss Player of the Year award.

Today, we learn that it’s the protégé who has won the award.

David Reinbacher is voted young player of the year in the Swiss ice hockey federation! 😎👏 pic.twitter.com/9wrv5zBqaE

– RDS (@RDSca) August 4, 2023

In 46 games, Reinbacher collected 22 points. He was only 18 years old. The other two finalists also had good seasons, but they were 21 years old.

Delémont had collected 13 points in 50 games, far less impressive than their Austrian opponents. Simon Knak, on the other hand, who is well known from his name and his appearances at the World Junior Championships, collected 23 points in 50 games. Unlike the other two finalists, this one is a striker.

For Reinbacher, let’s hope this award will give him some juice for training camp. He knows his options are Montreal and Europe. With defensive congestion, Switzerland remains the most logical option for him. Still, he could cause a surprise. After all, Jesperi Kotkaniemi caused one the season after he was drafted.