David Reinbacher is the only player in the top 13 (2023) without an NHL game under his belt

Vincent Larue
David Reinbacher is the only player in the top 13 (2023) without an NHL game under his belt
Credit: Screenshot/Twitter

Some numbers speak for themselves. And this one is starting to get people talking.

David Reinbacher is currently the only player selected in the top 13 of the 2023 draft who has not played a single game in the NHL. All the others? They have at least one game under their belts. Even those chosen after him.

Connor Bedard is already a star player. Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Will Smith have all played strong games in the big league. Dmitry Simashev (6th), Matvei Michkov (7th), Ryan Leonard (8th)… the list goes on. Up to the 13th pick, every player drafted has had a taste of the NHL. Except for the Canadiens defenseman.

Of course, context is important. Reinbacher has been slowed down by injuries since arriving in North America. His development has not been linear, and he has not had the opportunity to play as many games as many other prospects in his draft class.

It's not as if he was simply left out by hockey decision. There have been real obstacles in his path.

But in a market like Montreal, comparisons are inevitable. Especially when you remember that many fans would have liked to see Matvei Michkov fall into the habs' lap at No. 5.

Every game played by the other top-13 picks automatically becomes a reminder that Reinbacher is still waiting for his turn in Laval.

That doesn't mean the Canadiens made a mistake. Defensemen often take longer to develop. It's not uncommon to see a defenseman blossom later than a forward drafted at the same position.

The position requires a different kind of adaptation, a physical and defensive maturity that doesn't develop overnight.

The good news? If he can stay healthy, Reinbacher still has the potential to become a pillar on the blue line. His size, skating ability, and intelligent defensive play are still there. His talent didn't disappear overnight.

But for now, the fact remains. He is the only one of the top 13 who has yet to play a game in the NHL.

And in Montreal, that kind of detail never goes unnoticed.


Overtime

– Laval Rocket players at the AHL All-Star Game.

– The man behind the Sharks logo.

– James Harden's arrival in Cleveland.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!