Unexpected development as Montreal Canadiens make huge move involving David Reinbacher

That immediately changed the angle in Montreal. This is not about the standings first. It is about a top defenseman going down after blocking a shot and forcing a blue-line move right away.

Dobson was hurt Saturday night against the Blue Jackets after taking a shot off the hand area. The Canadiens then confirmed his condition will be reevaluated in 2 weeks.

That timeline matters because Montreal has only 2 regular-season games left. So even without a full diagnosis beyond the upper-body label, Dobson is effectively out of the picture at the worst time.

He had become a major piece of the Canadiens' back end. Dobson played 80 games, scored 12 goals, added 35 assists, and gave Montreal steady minutes in all situations.

The bigger loss may be in the trenches. No player in the NHL had blocked more shots than Dobson's 188, which tells you exactly how much work he was doing in front of the crease and on the penalty kill.

Montreal's answer was quick. The club recalled David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket, giving the former 5th overall pick a real shot to step into the lineup.

That is the strongest development beyond the injury itself. If Reinbacher dresses in one of the final 2 games, it would mark his NHL debut.

There is a scheduling wrinkle, too. Reinbacher played Friday and Saturday with Laval, while the Canadiens were set to visit the Islanders on Sunday night. That leaves St-Louis with a decision on usage and readiness.

A new update just surfaced regarding the Canadiens’ plans, and it’s starting to clarify the situation. According to Marco D’Amico, there was already a plan in place involving David Reinbacher before the season wraps up.

This latest report suggests Montreal could be making their move sooner than expected, with Reinbacher potentially joining the team very shortly.

Reinbacher's season in Laval at least gives Montreal something solid to lean on. The 21-year-old defenseman played 57 games and put up 5 goals with 19 assists.

His path has not been clean. Injuries have slowed parts of his development since Montreal drafted him in 2023, and he was hurt again in September before returning near the end of October.

Still, the size and profile are obvious. At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Reinbacher gives the Canadiens a right-shot option with reach, strength, and a chance to handle tougher minutes down the road.

For now, this is about survival and opportunity at the same time. Dobson's absence leaves a real hole, and Reinbacher now gets pulled straight into the middle of it.

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