The Montreal Canadiens announced Tuesday that defender David Reinbacher had surgery on his left knee and will be out for a period of five to six months.
Reinbacher was injured early during the preseason game between the Habs and the Toronto Maple Leafs last Saturday.
The Canadian’s first-round pick in 2023, fifth overall, Reinbacher was preparing to play his first full season in North America.
The 19-year-old Austrian played 11 games with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League last spring, after completing his season in Switzerland with the Kloten club. Reinbacher scored two goals and three assists during this short stay on Île Jésus.
Reinbacher was in his third preseason game when he fell in action against the Maple Leafs. He was fighting for a position within the Canadian brigade.
The Canadian has not yet offered an update regarding the health of forward Patrik Laine, who was injured during the same game against the Maple Leafs.
Laine was the victim of knee-to-knee contact with Cédric Paré. He was spotted Monday at Canadiens practice wearing a left knee brace and walking with forearm crutches.
Lucas Condotta and Luke Tuch recalled from Rocket
The Montreal Canadiens also recalled forwards Lucas Condotta and Luke Tuch from the Laval Rocket on Tuesday in anticipation of their preseason evening match against the Ottawa Senators.
The two players have played two preparatory matches with the Habs so far. Tuch scored a goal, while Condotta still has not blackened the score sheet.
Tuch was demoted to the Rocket after Saturday’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Condotta was transferred on Monday, after being ignored by the 31 other NHL teams on waivers. The Rocket began camp on Tuesday.
Condotta played four regular season games with the Canadiens, scoring a goal in his first outing.
Tuch signed his rookie contract with the Habs last spring, following a four-season stint at Boston University. He was selected by the Canadian in the second round, 47e overall, in the 2020 draft.