David Reinbacher's Injury: A Setback for the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher will miss four weeks due to a broken metacarpal bone in his hand, sustained during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 25, 2025. This injury marks another setback for the 20-year-old Austrian, who has struggled with injuries since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Last season, Reinbacher played only 23 games for the AHL's Laval Rocket after suffering a serious knee injury during the previous preseason, which required surgery.

Canadiens D Reinbacher (broken metacarpal) out four weeksCanadiens Announce Rough David Reinbacher Injury NewsHeavyDavid Reinbacher out four weeks with broken handCanadiens’ David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken handDavid Reinbacher Out for Four WeeksFracture: David Reinbacher will miss four weeks of activity

Reinbacher's latest injury occurred in the third period of the game against Toronto, where he logged over 17 minutes of ice time before leaving the match. The Canadiens had hoped this season would allow him to gain valuable experience and solidify his position within the team's core. However, this injury will prevent him from participating in the remainder of the preseason and will delay his return to competitive play.

David Reinbacher Out for Four Weeks

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressed a mix of relief and concern regarding Reinbacher's injury. While he noted that the injury is not as severe as last year's knee issue, it still represents a significant delay in Reinbacher's development. St. Louis stated, “I don’t think it’s serious stuff, so I’m not too worried about it.” Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of Reinbacher playing a full season, stating, “We took him fifth overall because we really believed in what he has to offer, and we look forward to him being a big part.”

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Critics have pointed out that Reinbacher's ongoing injury struggles could hinder his long-term development and impact the Canadiens' plans for the upcoming season. The repeated setbacks raise concerns about his ability to transition effectively to the NHL, especially given the team's aspirations to build on last season's playoff appearance.

David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken hand

Reinbacher is expected to focus on rehabilitation during his recovery period, with hopes of returning to action in time for the AHL season, which begins on October 12, 2025. The Canadiens will begin their NHL season on October 8 against the Maple Leafs, and Reinbacher's absence will likely mean he starts the season on injured reserve. The team is currently dealing with multiple injuries on defense, including Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle, which may further complicate their defensive lineup as they aim to build on last year's success.

David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken hand

• “I want to be a two-way defenceman, killing plays, sending my forwards off with a good breakout pass, good first pass, and trying to join the rush and create something there, and just defend really well and be hard to play against, and I think that will bring success to my game,” — David Reinbacher

Canadiens' David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken hand

• “But we took him fifth overall because we really believed in what he has to offer, and we look forward to him being a big part.” — Kent Hughes, Canadiens General Manager

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• “I don’t think it’s serious stuff, so I’m not too worried about it.” — Martin St. Louis, Canadiens Coach

Canadiens' David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken hand

Reinbacher's injury is a significant concern for the Canadiens as they look to solidify their roster and make a deeper playoff run this season.

David Reinbacher out four weeks with broken hand