David Reinbacher has officially made his debut in the NHL, a long-awaited call-up that left his family emotional. The 21-year-old defenseman was drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2023. After nearly three years filled with challenges, he finally joined the NHL ranks, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Emotional Call-Up
The call came late Saturday evening in Austria, where Reinbacher’s parents were awakened by their son’s excited phone call. He was preparing to fly to New York to join the Canadiens after being summoned for his first NHL game against the New York Islanders.
Overcoming Challenges
- Drafted: 2023
- First NHL game: 2024
- Injuries: Impacted his development
- Coaching: Received positive reinforcement from Laval Rocket’s coaching staff
Prior to his call-up, Reinbacher faced multiple setbacks, including injuries and an average training camp in 2025. His coaches at the Laval Rocket worked diligently to help him regain confidence, showing him video clips from his successful Swiss playing days.
Immediate Impact
Reinbacher seized his opportunity when Noah Dobson suffered an upper-body injury, making him unavailable for at least two weeks. While watching a game from the couch, he received the call that would change everything.
First Impressions
In his debut, Reinbacher played just over 11 minutes but demonstrated his skill and composure on the ice. Nick Suzuki praised his performance, noting the calmness and effectiveness Reinbacher displayed while executing plays.
Teammate Support
His teammate, Jacob Fowler, who joined the Canadiens from Laval, expressed pride in sharing this moment with Reinbacher. Both were drafted together and experienced the journey to the NHL side by side.
Looking Ahead
Coach Martin St-Louis highlighted Reinbacher’s control during the game, emphasizing that such experience will only enhance his gameplay. With the potential for increased minutes in the absence of key players like Dobson and Alexandre Carrier, Reinbacher is eager for his chance to make a lasting impression.
As the season continues, Reinbacher’s journey will undoubtedly keep fans excited about his development and contributions to the Canadiens. This long-awaited call-up has opened the door for an exciting chapter in his young career.
