Canadiens Reveal Devastating News on Top Prospect David Reinbacher

All eyes have been on Patrik Laine ever since the devastating developments of this past Saturday's preseason game for the Montreal Canadiens which saw the newly-acquired veteran suffer a potentially devastating long-term knee injury.

But in that same game, Habs' No. 2 prospect David Reinbacher also was forced to exit with a knee injury, and now we've got the word on his absence, and it's not good news. Reinbacher has already undergone left knee surgery and will be out at least 5 to 6 months.

Le défenseur David Reinbacher a été opéré au genou gauche ce matin. Sa période de réadaptation est évaluée à cinq à six mois.

Defenseman David Reinbacher underwent surgery to his left knee this morning. His rehabilitation period is expected to be from 5 to 6 months. pic.twitter.com/tzgyhkgXeR
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 1, 2024

The 19-year-old defenseman, who was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, fell awkwardly following a hit in the first period of the preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This didn't look like a lot of contact, but Reinbacher left the game in a lot of pain after this play.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/oMgLy28Dfe
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 28, 2024

It was an innocent enough play, but you can see that Reinbacher landed squarely on his left knee, and left the ice in a lot of pain.

The Austrian native, who turns 20 in a few weeks, was likely ticketed for the Laval Rocket in the AHL, but now will likely have to wait until next season to get his first full North American campaign underway. He could theoretically still get in a few games in April, whether with the Rocket or the Canadiens, if he's ready to go in six months.

Reinbacher recorded 11 points in 35 games with Kloten HC in the Swiss League last season, before finishing his year with Laval, under the watchful eyes of the Canadiens staff, where he posted five points in 11 games.