David Reinbacher: He has to stay in the NHL—period (according to Anthony Martineau)

Raphael Simard
David Reinbacher: He has to stay in the NHL—period (according to Anthony Martineau)
Credit: Capture d'écran Twitter

Anthony Martineau rarely disagrees with the CH's decisions.

But today, while appearing on the Sick Podcast, he lost his cool over the David Reinbacher situation.

In his view, the Austrian no longer belongs in the AHL. It's the NHL—period.

The reporter says that having him play 8–10 minutes in the big league will be more beneficial to his development than having him play about 20 minutes in the AHL.

The issue is no longer which league he'll play in most. The issue is that he needs to play in the league with the best players and opponents so he can learn the ropes. And obviously, it's in the NHL that he'll be able to face the best forwards in the world.

Martineau wonders why the Habs drafted him so early in 2023 if they aren't willing to cut him some slack and let him play. Because he's still very young, and he's going to make mistakes.

Among all the players selected in the first round in 2023, he ranks eighth in fewest games played in the big league (3).

And the seven players behind him haven't played a single game in the Bettman league. For a fifth overall pick, that's pretty concerning.

Personally, I think he was one of the best defensemen at camp, and like everyone else, he was probably surprised to be cut. Did that dent his confidence a little? Did he wonder what he needed to do to earn his spot on the Habs' defensive corps?

He shouldn't lose confidence—his chance will come. But the next time he's called up by the big club, he'd better not get sent back down, honestly. The worst thing is to keep sending him back and forth…

With Mike Matheson's return, however, that will have to wait.


In a Nutshell

– I dare to hope.

– Oh, really?

– Worth a read.

– That's great.

– Big game.

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