BROSSARD | David Reinbacher has forgotten the episode of hate messages, from a very small handful of supporters, after the draft in Nashville. Less than a week later, he gave a more than positive assessment of his first experience in the uniform of the Canadian.
Coming out of an intrasquad game at development camp, the fifth overall pick in 2023 had a huge smile on his face.
“It was amazing, the fans were cheering on all the players and they made us feel welcome,” he said. It was a good experience. I met my teammates and my coaches and discovered the smallest ice. I now know more what to expect. I will return home to train.”
Reinbacher did not score in this meeting between the reds and the whites, but he knocked on the door often. Lane Hutson, his partner on the blue line, has scouted him more than once for good chances.
The Austrian also took part in the improvised penalty shootout after the match.
“I felt good,” he said. To tell you the truth, I had chills after the reaction of the spectators for my presence in shooting. They were screaming when I jumped on the ice. I missed my fake, but I’ll have time to work on my game!
“I would have liked to score during the match, he continued. I had three chances. Lane wanted to help me get a goal. I will probably change my stick!”
A nice present
Asked about the wave of love he has received in the past few days, the right-handed defender has become a bit emotional.
“I thought it was great,” he said. I can’t even describe how I feel. I read some very nice messages. I feel good here in Montreal. I can say that it is now my second home. I want to come back to Montreal quickly before rookie camp. I would like to give back to the fans for their help.
“I also read the book that a supporter [Patricia Néron] gave me. I was touched by this gesture. One day, I will find a way to thank her by giving her a gift myself.”
A pair of the future
There’s no hazard. Even for a simple development camp in July, the Canadian had placed two of his best hopes on the blue line within the same duo.
MARTIN ALARIE / MONTREAL JOURNAL
Reinbacher skated all week with Hutson, a pick of 2e turn in 2022 who had a thunderous rookie season at Boston University with 48 points (15 goals, 33 assists) in 39 games.
“When you play with Lane, you get the puck fast and you can give it back to him. After that, you have fun watching it. He is a really gifted defender offensively.
“I hope the comparison is not too big, but Hutson is in the mold of Cale Makar, he chained. He skates so well, he does amazing things on ice. I would love to play with him in the future. But there is still a long road ahead of us before we think about Montreal.”