MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens signed fifth-overall draft pick David Reinbacher to a three-year, entry-level contract on Wednesday.
The six-foot-two, 194-pound defenceman from Austria, had 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in 46 games for EHC Kloten of Switzerland’s top professional league last season.
By going fifth overall, Reinbacher tied longtime NHL winger Thomas Vanek as the highest-drafted Austrian player of all time.
The signing comes after Reinbacher participated in the Canadiens development camp from Saturday through Tuesday.
Reinbacher said he plans to return to Montreal as early as possible ahead of rookie camp this fall.
The 18-year-old will likely play next season in Switzerland, however.
"I want to do everything to play as soon as possible in the NHL, I guess it's every kids dream to play one day in the big league especially for Montreal," he said Tuesday. "(But) I'd like to play probably another year back home to develop myself because there's work to do to improve myself and get better."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2023.
The Canadian Press
