The Unexpected Return: Something Big Is Stirring in Montreal

Something is moving inside the Montreal Canadiens organization — quietly, but with the kind of weight you feel before you hear it. There’s been talk, whispers really, about a shift in strategy, a surprise in the roster. And this time, it’s not just about numbers on a depth chart. It’s about timing, recovery, and a name that’s been waiting to be shouted again inside the Bell Centre.

No official fireworks, no press conference drama — just a sequence of low-key transactions late at night, the kind of bureaucratic shuffle that usually goes unnoticed until someone reads between the lines. The Canadiens announced a few routine moves: Joshua Roy, Marc Del Gaizo, assigned to Laval Rocket. Simple. Predictable. Administrative.

Except it wasn’t.

Because hidden among those minor details was a third name — one that hasn’t been on the ice in months. One that carries the weight of potential and the memory of a broken hand.

Fans who’ve followed Montreal’s rebuild closely know that Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis have been playing a long game — carefully nurturing prospects, balancing injuries, and steering a roster caught between hope and hard reality. But every long game has a turning point. And from the looks of it, this one might have just arrived.

You wouldn’t know it from the team’s calm press release, phrased with the same sterile precision as a weather report. Yet, if you were paying attention — if you looked close enough — there was something thrilling buried between the lines. Something that might just redefine what the next few months look like for both the Canadiens and their AHL affiliate in Laval.

It starts with a return. Not just any return, but the kind that’s been teased, delayed, and speculated about for weeks. The kind that could tighten the defensive structure of an entire organization.

There’s a reason the Rocket locker room suddenly feels different, why Pascal Vincent’s tone in practice interviews has turned from cautious to quietly confident. There’s a reason Kent Hughes has that glint of satisfaction when asked about “reinforcements.” Something is aligning — a move that’s both tactical and symbolic.

For now, the official wording is simple. A loan. A reinforcement. A player “joining the group.” But everyone who’s been following Montreal hockey long enough knows the Canadiens never move their pieces without meaning.

Especially this piece.

The player in question isn’t just a prospect. He’s a presence — six-foot-three, right-handed, sharp-skating, and still only twenty years old. Drafted fifth overall, groomed for the big stage, and sidelined by injury before his first full season could even begin. He’s been out of sight but never out of mind.

Now, he’s back.

And while no one inside the Canadiens organization is saying it outright, the timing couldn’t be more deliberate — or more dangerous for the teams standing in their way.

So who’s making this quiet comeback that could change Montreal’s defensive depth chart — and maybe its entire future?

You already know the name.
But wait until you hear what’s next.

Sep 23, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher (64) plays the puck during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Reinforcements are arriving within the Montreal Canadiens organization, starting with the Laval Rocket – and we’re talking about David Reinbacher.

According to the latest news, it turns out Joshua Roy and Marc Del Gaizo weren’t the only two players involved in roster moves last night…

“The Canadiens have loaned forward Joshua Roy and defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to the Laval Rocket.”

– Montreal Canadiens

There was actually a third one, too!

David Reinbacher has also been assigned to the Laval Rocket – he’s joining as reinforcements and is back in action!

What fantastic news.

“The Canadiens have loaned defenseman David Reinbacher to the Laval Rocket.”

– Montreal Canadiens

He’ll join Pascal Vincent’s group as reinforcement, but given Kaiden Guhle’s injury, don’t be surprised if he also gets called up to help the Canadiens eventually.

Kent Hughes will surely be thrilled about that!

“David Reinbacher has recovered from a broken hand suffered during pre-season game with Canadiens and has rejoined the AHL’s Laval Rocket”

– Stu Cowan

Good news for the Rocket as Pascal Vincent also announced that Reinbacher will play Friday!

“David Reinbacher confirmed to be playing Friday night against the Rochester Americans by head coach Pascal Vincent.”

– Marco D’amico

David Reinbacher, 20, is a right-handed defenseman standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 207 pounds. He was selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Draft (1st round).

He recorded 5 points in 10 games with the Laval Rocket last season in the AHL and will aim to earn a spot in the NHL with Montreal in the coming months.

We’re really looking forward to seeing him in action for an extended stretch this time – hopefully with a bit of luck!