According to Tony Marinaro, David Reinbacher is not untouchable

Vincent Larue
According to Tony Marinaro, David Reinbacher is not untouchable
Credit: x @TheAHL

David Reinbacher is often presented as an important piece in the Canadiens' rebuilding process. The fifth overall pick in 2023, a right-handed defenseman with a modern profile, he represents a long-term project for the organization. But on the JIC show, Tony Marinaro brought the debate back to more concrete ground: the real value of this right-handed defenseman.

Marinaro did not mention an imminent trade. Rather, he raised a reality that the Habs will eventually have to face. Not all young players can be untouchable. And in Reinbacher's case, certain factors complicate the equation.

“Reinbacher is a possible name as a potential partner for Lane Hutson, perhaps starting next year. But is he untouchable like Ivan Demidov, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Hutson? I don't think so. I wouldn't be surprised if one day there's a mega trade and Reinbacher is part of it.” Tony Marinaro

This comment highlights an important distinction. Reinbacher may have good potential, but he is not part of the core group considered untouchable, according to Marinaro. And his career since being drafted explains in part why.

Since arriving in North America, the Austrian defenseman has been slowed down by injuries on several occasions. Nothing catastrophic, but frequent enough to slow his progress and prevent him from stringing together long stretches of playing time.

In an organization where other young defensemen have quickly taken their place, this reality weighs heavily in the balance.

Meanwhile, Lane Hutson is already establishing himself as one of the best at his position. Kaiden Guhle is established. Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson are signed to long-term contracts. The depth on the blue line continues to grow.

At some point, the Canadiens will have to make choices and convert some assets into reinforcements elsewhere in the lineup.

That's where Reinbacher's profile becomes interesting… and delicate. A young, right-handed defenseman drafted very high, but still developing and with a history of injuries to watch out for, he represents a valuable asset on the market, without being untouchable.

There is no indication that the habs are in any rush to move him. But, as Marinaro suggested, Reinbacher is one of those players whose name may come up when discussions get serious.

For now, it's just a debate… but it's often these debates that end up shaping a player's future.


Overtime

– Tage Thompson scores in his 500th NHL game.

– Ondrej Palat is traded to the Islanders with a third- and sixth-round pick in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov.

– Charlie Coyle will receive the Silver Stick tomorrow as he plays his 1,000th NHL game.

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