Top Defenceman in 2023 NHL Draft Set to Make North American Debut

He was the first defenceman picked in the latest NHL entry draft, and it looks like he's on his way to North America to join his team's system for the end of the season.

David Reinbacher has been officially added to the roster of the Laval Rocket, the AHL team of the Montreal Canadiens. He was their first-round pick (5th overall) in 2023, and the first defenceman selected in that draft.

The Canadiens caused quite a stir in the hockey world after selecting Reinbacher. Many felt the team missed an opportunity by not taking Matvei Michkov, who was taken 7th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. At the time, GM Kent Hughes said Montreal had drafted based on need, noting more defensive prospects were needed in the system.

Reinbacher has been playing with Kloten HC of the National League in Switzerland since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. However, the team finished outside of a playoff spot, giving Reinbacher and the Canadiens a chance to see what he can do over here. In 35 games with Kloten, Reinbacher had 1 goal and 11 points.