Montreal Canadiens prospect David Reinbacher was already considered a strong candidate for a preseason roster spot. With defenseman Kaiden Guhle sidelined for 4-5 weeks due to offseason surgery, that open position now seems firmly within Reinbacher's reach.
On the surface, this seems like simple math: an available spot makes it easier for Reinbacher to secure a position.
The situation is more nuanced, though the outcome remains the same.
Hutson's Role Adjustment?
Guhle, a left-handed defenseman, typically played on his natural side. While sometimes paired with fellow left-shot Mike Matheson, Guhle often played with other defensemen, including two lefties: Arber Xhekaj and Lane Hutson. Head coach Martin St. Louis deployed these players on their off-sides to accommodate Guhle.
Guhle's injury now necessitates placing Hutson, another left-shot defenseman, on his natural right side. Last season, Hutson was frequently paired with left-shooting Jayden Struble, also playing on his off-side. This injury, unfortunately, offers a silver lining to Guhle's history of missing significant game time – he's averaged 30 missed games per season over his four-year career.
Moving Hutson to his natural side positions him for optimal performance. The Canadiens' crowded left side, with at least six NHL-caliber defensemen (including Guhle and prospect Adam Engstrom, who can also play right defense), had previously forced Hutson, arguably the team's most valuable player, into a disadvantageous role repeatedly. It's telling that late in the playoffs, when games were critical, St. Louis did place Hutson on the left with Noah Dobson on the right.
Potential Hutson-Reinbacher Pairing
Dobson, acquired to bolster the right side after David Savard's retirement, primarily played with Matheson. Despite offensive capabilities that might seem redundant alongside Hutson's league-leading scoring, the Canadiens could pair them to form a formidable top defensive unit.
This pairing was utilized previously, even after Dobson sustained a broken thumb. Ironically, this situation led to Reinbacher, the team's fifth overall pick in 2023, playing his first two NHL games.
However, Reinbacher was not used in the playoffs. Instead, Xhekaj saw limited ice time on his off-side until Dobson returned. While Xhekaj might fill a larger role temporarily due to Guhle's injury, his minutes will likely remain limited. The Canadiens hold higher expectations for Reinbacher's long-term development.
This presents Reinbacher with a prime opportunity to advance his progression. As the Canadiens aim to become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in a competitive Atlantic Division, every game holds increased importance.
Montreal should not wait for another injury to give Reinbacher a more substantial look. Pairing Hutson on his natural side with Reinbacher, also on his natural side, is a logical step, especially considering Hutson's previous regular deployment with Struble. While this might not be Hutson's absolute best setup, it significantly benefits Reinbacher. Furthermore, their complementary playing styles suggest that a fully developed Reinbacher could be Hutson's ideal partner, leading to mutual growth and a stronger team performance.
