The Canadiens issued a brutal update on David Reinbacher’s health

Injuries are piling up during the Montreal Canadiens’ preseason. In the same match in which Patrik Laine went down, defender David Reinbacher suffered a knee injury. Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday that the former fifth overall pick will be sidelined for several months.

“The Canadiens announce that defenseman David Reinbacher underwent surgery on his left knee this morning. He will be sidelined for 5-6 months,” Servalli wrote on social media. He also added an article about Laine: “Now I’m waiting for the decision – surgery or not for Patrik Laine.”

The 19-year-old was hit in open ice during Saturday’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After the match, Reinbacher was noticed to be on crutches and we now know it was a knee problem. Laine was also seen using crutches. The severity of his injury is unknown and a schedule has not yet been announced, Seravalli said.

Laine was traded from the Blue Jackets to the Canadiens just before training camp opened. He asked Columbus to relocate to rebuild his career after completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program last year. Laine is in danger early in his tenure in Montreal with a lower-body injury.

Reinbacher should have played a key role on the Canadiens’ blue line this season. They spent big money on him in 2023 and are counting on him to build their future defensive unit. Despite his injuries, he has a bright future ahead of him that fans should be excited about.

Canada Outlook 2024–25

Since their improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, the Canadiens have not returned to the playoffs. They added Laine to improve their offense and energize their young team. With a proven goal scorer in Laine and a solid center in Nick Suzuki, they could present a solid attack this season.

It appears Laine will be sidelined for an extended period of time, meaning the Canadiens will return to last year’s level. Even with Kirby Dach suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, it’s hard to score enough goals for Montreal to make the playoffs. Their goaltenders, while very young, weren’t solid last year either. These two injuries resulted in the Habs missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

If they get good news about Laine, it will help fans save the end of the season. The future of the forward unit rests in the hands of Laine, Suzuki, Dach and Juraj Slavkovsky. Seeing these players work together will help the Canadiens and their fans see the future of their team.