The Montreal Canadiens are approaching the end of the regular season with a strong run of form, but a sudden injury to Noah Dobson has created fresh concern inside the lineup.
The timing adds pressure with the playoffs just days away and the division race still tight. As a result, the attention goes to how Montreal plans to patch that gap before it grows into a bigger issue.
Canadiens Call Up David Reinbacher After Noah Dobson’s Injury Shakes Defense
Dobson’s absence has forced immediate action from Montreal, and the team has turned to one of its top young prospects to fill the void.
Dobson is currently dealing with an upper-body injury after blocking a shot in the second period against Columbus on April 11. He is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks, which puts his availability for the start of the playoffs in doubt and leaves a major hole on the blueline.
Dobson has been a heavy contributor all season, logging 22:29 of ice time per game while leading the league with 188 blocked shots. His injury comes at a difficult time, especially with Alexandre Carrier also sidelined, leaving the Canadiens without a healthy right-shot defenseman. That gap has pushed the organization to act quickly as they prepare for a key matchup against the New York Islanders.
The solution appears to be David Reinbacher, who has been recalled from the Laval Rocket and is expected to join the team immediately. NHL insider Marco D’Amico reported, “Sources indicate Reinbacher to be called up by the Canadiens after the game to join the team in New York,” signaling that the move was already in motion following Dobson’s exit.
The 21-year-old defenseman could make his NHL debut as soon as the New York Islanders game, giving Montreal a new option under pressure.
Reinbacher arrives after a decent AHL season where he recorded 24 points in 57 games while posting a +18 rating. He handled a full workload after recovering from a preseason hand injury and showed consistency in his first complete North American campaign.
Montreal’s overall season has been strong, with a 47-23-10 record and 104 points, placing them near the top of the Atlantic Division. Their offense, led by Suzuki and Caufield, has carried much of the load, but this situation shifts focus to their defensive depth.
With a tight race at the top and the postseason approaching, Montreal’s response to this setback will be in focus.
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