Corey Brunman goes into detail about what to expect from potential clients and how they fit into the farming system. This page will be updated throughout the 2023 NHL Draft.
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The Montreal Canadiens are ranked fifth in the 2023 NHL Draft. Montreal has nine total picks this year, including numbers 69, 101, and 110 taken by the Penguins, 128 (via the Golden Knights), 133, 144, 165, and 197.
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Corey Brunman details what to expect from the new Montreal Canadiens prospects and how they fit into the farming system. This page will be updated throughout the 2023 NHL Draft.
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Draft category
5. David Reinbacher, RHD, KLOTEN (Switzerland)
October 25, 2004 | 6′ 2″ | 194 pounds
Level: The best player in the list
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above average in the NHL
Competition: Above average NHL
Similar player: Brett Pesci
background: Reinbacher was one of the four best defensemen in the NBA this season. He had the second most productive tryout season for a player in NBA history, behind Auston Matthews, and the best by a defenseman. He was a standout player for Austria at the 2023 FIFA World Youth Championship. He played regular minutes for Austria’s senior national team in the German Cup. He also played for the Austria U20 team at the 2022 World Youth Championship.
analysis: Reinbacher is an excellent all-round defender. His mobility immediately stands out, especially as a 6-foot-2 right-handed defender. Reinbacher’s gap control is very strong; He kills a lot of game because of his feet. He can also lock men with his body and shows a high level of competitiveness in recovering pucks. He is very dexterous in defending such a young player and plans to get rid of good forwards in the NHL. He is able to ski and pass snowballs. He has good offensive touch, strong hands and better vision. He is not as dynamic with the puck, but this season he has shown at a young age that he can play and move the puck like a pro. He feels very good and we expect him to be a strong player in the NHL. Reinbacher is a potential top pair, all-rounder in the NHL.
Considerations when choosing: In Reinbacher, the Canadiens get a truly stellar defensive opportunity, a player with higher double-multiplier potential and the chance to become a star if he hits right. Reinbacher instantly becomes the top defensive talent in the Canadiens organization, looks like a blue line player in the future with him, Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux, Lane Hutson and Justin Barron could be a very good combination. Reinbacher is a mobile and competitive defender with size and attacking power.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
