Hockey

David Reinbacher’s name refuses to die on recall
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
David Reinbacher’s name refuses to die on recall
Credit: Getty Images

Will Alexandre Carrier be able to play in Washington on Wednesday? Who knows.

The Habs won't be practicing today, and it's safe to assume that Martin St-Louis, when he speaks to the media, won't provide a medical update on his right-handed defenseman.

I have a feeling it'll be a relatively long time before we know more. And if that's the case, it will open the door to speculation.

If Carrier can play, it's safe to assume that the defensive corps won't change for the next game – unless Arber Xhekaj is forced to make way for Jayden Struble.

But what if Carrier can't play?

Even without a recall, the CH could send Kaiden Guhle alongside Mike Matheson and insert Jayden Struble with Lane Hutson on the team's defensive top-4.

But will the CH want five left-handers – everyone except David Savard – in uniform? In the playoffs, will the Habs want to do what they've sometimes done this season: go on the road with no extra at the blue line?

We don't know… but we doubt it.

That's why the door is open right now for the CH to recall a defenseman. We don't know if all the Rocket guys jumped on the bus this morning to go to Cleveland…

Right now, if there were to be a recall, the names of David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux, two right-handers and two first-round picks of the Canadiens, come up quite often.

Especially the European.

I don't think the Habs want to bring on David Reinbacher right now, whose knee has been playing tricks on him since he returned to action a few months ago.

I think it would be too much pressure… especially for a defenseman.

Renaud Lavoie talked about it this morning on BPM Sports: he doesn't expect Reinbacher to play for the CH. The club wants to be careful with him, and that's normal.

In his eyes, if need be, Struble will come in, and that's that.


in gossip

– The finalists for the Vézina.

– Does the CH still have gas in the tank? [JdeM]

– Maple Leafs captain at rest this morning.

– Obviously.

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