David Reinbacher Bio
David Reinbacher is an Austrian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman. He is currently listed with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected fifth overall by the Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, he became the highest-drafted Austrian skater in NHL history, a distinction he shares with Thomas Vanek, who was also taken fifth overall in 2003. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 209 pounds, Reinbacher has quickly developed a reputation as a poised, two-way defenceman with significant upside.
Early Life and Background
David Reinbacher was born on 25 October 2004 in Hohenems, a town in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, a region with deep roots in the sport of ice hockey. Growing up in this hockey-rich environment, Reinbacher was exposed to the game at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, Harald Reinbacher, a former professional hockey player who competed for EHC Lustenau of the Alps Hockey League. Harald’s career in the sport provided David with an early understanding of what it takes to compete at high levels, and that background helped shape his disciplined approach to the game.
Reinbacher has one sibling, a brother named Tobias, who also plays professionally for the Pioneers Vorarlberg of the ICE Hockey League. The family connection to hockey runs deep, and David has often credited his upbringing in Vorarlberg and his family environment as a key influence on his development as a player.
Path to Hockey
As a youth, Reinbacher developed his game in Switzerland, playing for EHC Rheintal and EHC Bülach before making a significant move to EHC Kloten at the under-15 level. The jump to Kloten, one of Switzerland’s most established hockey programs, allowed him to test himself against elite junior competition on a daily basis. He steadily progressed through the club’s junior ranks, earning increased responsibility and recognition along the way.
Reinbacher’s professional debut came midway through the 2021–22 season with EHC Kloten in the Swiss League, the second tier of Swiss hockey. He recorded one goal and 10 assists in 27 regular-season games, an impressive start for a player still in his late teens. He also appeared in 14 postseason contests that year, helping Kloten secure promotion to the National League, Switzerland’s top division.
David Reinbacher Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
The 2021–22 season marked Reinbacher’s introduction to professional hockey, and he quickly proved that he belonged. Although he was still an under-age player competing against men, his composure and hockey sense stood out. His contributions in both the regular season and the playoffs were central to Kloten’s promotion push, providing him with valuable experience in high-pressure situations.
In the 2022–23 season, Reinbacher established himself as a regular on Kloten’s blueline, attracting attention for doing so as an 18-year-old. His average ice time rose from roughly six minutes per game to more than 20, a clear sign of his growing importance to the team. He produced three goals and 19 assists in 46 regular-season games, and added two more points in three postseason appearances. His play that year earned him the Swiss League’s award for the best young player of the year, a strong endorsement of his rapid development.
Montreal Canadiens and NHL Draft (2023)
Heading into the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Reinbacher initially had a low profile among North American scouts, with some European evaluators projecting him as a potential second-round selection. By November 2022, however, his play had caught the attention of major North American outlets, and The Hockey News named him to its All-Sleeper Squad of first-round candidates. By draft day in June 2023, he was widely considered a top-ten selection and a likely first defenceman off the board.
On draft night, the Montreal Canadiens selected Reinbacher fifth overall, with general manager Kent Hughes describing him as “a diamond in the rough with a lot of potential.” The pick made him the highest-drafted Austrian skater in NHL history, alongside Thomas Vanek, who was also taken fifth overall 20 years earlier. The choice drew attention because Montreal passed on Matvei Michkov, who was considered by many to be the most talented remaining player. The decision was controversial, and Reinbacher reportedly received abusive messages on social media, an issue that drew coverage from major sports outlets.
Laval Rocket Era (2024–Present)
On 5 July 2023, the Canadiens signed Reinbacher to a three-year, entry-level contract. After a generally positive showing at the Canadiens’ 2023 training camp, he was returned to EHC Kloten for the 2023–24 National League season, where he recorded one goal and 10 assists in 35 games during a difficult campaign for the club.
Following the end of the Swiss schedule, the Canadiens assigned him to the Laval Rocket, their AHL affiliate, on 18 March 2024. He made his AHL debut three days later, on 22 March, scoring a goal in a 3–2 overtime win against the Belleville Senators. In eleven games with Laval, he registered two goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-six, an encouraging start to his North American career.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a defenceman, Reinbacher is recognized for his poise, mobility, and ability to log heavy minutes against top competition. He is regarded as a reliable two-way player who can move the puck efficiently and contribute offensively, while still taking care of his own end. His experience playing in a men’s professional league in Switzerland at a young age helped him develop a mature, composed style well beyond his years.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his record-setting draft selection, Reinbacher’s milestone moments include his professional debut with EHC Kloten, his role in Kloten’s promotion to the National League, his Swiss League Best Young Player award, and his AHL debut goal against the Belleville Senators. Each step has reinforced his standing as one of Austria’s most promising hockey talents.
David Reinbacher Career Highlights
Throughout his young career, David Reinbacher has compiled a steady list of achievements across Swiss and North American professional hockey. His awards, statistical growth, and rapid rise through the draft have marked him as one of the top defensive prospects to come out of Austria.
Swiss League Highlights
During the 2021–22 season, Reinbacher debuted with EHC Kloten in the Swiss League and contributed one goal and 10 assists in 27 regular-season games, helping the club earn promotion to the National League. The following season, he recorded three goals and 19 assists in 46 games, was named the Swiss League’s best young player, and continued his progression against top Swiss competition.
Other Wins and Performances
On the international stage, Reinbacher represented Austria at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championship, the 2023 World Junior Championships, and the senior IIHF World Championship. He debuted with Austria’s senior team at the 2022 Deutschland Cup, where he captured a silver medal, and he later averaged over 26 minutes of ice time per game at the 2023 World Juniors.
David Reinbacher Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
David Reinbacher comes from a family with strong ties to hockey. His father, Harald Reinbacher, is a former professional hockey player who competed for EHC Lustenau of the Alps Hockey League, and his brother, Tobias, plays professionally for the Pioneers Vorarlberg of the ICE Hockey League. The family’s hockey background has played a central role in shaping David’s development and approach to the sport.
Personal Life
Reinbacher continues to focus on his professional hockey career, with his time split between training and competition in North America. As a young player still early in his career, he remains committed to his development within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season began as a challenging one for David Reinbacher. While competing with the Montreal Canadiens in exhibition play against the Toronto Maple Leafs on 28 September 2024, he exited the game after a hit by Leafs defenceman Marshall Rifai. Days later, it was announced that he had undergone knee surgery and would miss five to six months of the season.
Following his recovery, Reinbacher returned to action and made his 2024–25 season debut with the Laval Rocket on 19 February 2025 against the Manitoba Moose. His return marked a key milestone in his recovery timeline and gave him an opportunity to resume his progression within the Canadiens’ development pipeline.
Looking ahead through the remainder of 2025, Reinbacher is expected to continue building his game with the Laval Rocket while remaining under contract with the Montreal Canadiens. His progress will be closely watched as the Canadiens assess his readiness for a full-time NHL role in upcoming seasons.