The pros and cons of recalling Reinbacher
As the Laval Rocket prepare for what is expected to be a deep playoff run, the focus has shifted from standings to development. With several important prospects in the lineup and a few new additions arriving, the final stretch of the season is becoming a critical evaluation period for the Montreal Canadiens. Will Shoukri joined to the podcast once more as we went through the prospects in Laval.
Luke Mittelstadt
Mittelstadt has arrived as a classic depth defenceman: steady, intelligent, and adaptable. The former University of Minnesota captain brings leadership and a puck-moving skills built on vision and passing rather than shooting. The important bit for such a player is his adaptability and that is something fans should look at as they evaluate Mittelstadt’s adjustment to pro hockey and a new system.
There are no expectations of immediate impact. Instead, Mittelstadt projects as a long-term piece who will need time in Laval to establish himself. With the Rocket prioritizing winning his early usage may be limited, but his ability to slot into different roles will determine how quickly he earns trust.
Florian Xhekaj
Xhekaj’s recent progress is defined by discipline. After being one of the most penalized players in the league, he put together a stretch of games without taking penalties, a significant step for a player in his role. His physical identity remains intact, but he is now showing he can apply it responsibly. Combined with increased usage in different situations, including special teams and late-game scenarios, Xhekaj is evolving into a more complete and reliable option.
If that discipline continues, he becomes a viable bottom-line NHL player rather than just an energy piece.
Joshua Roy
Roy’s recent stretch has been quieter offensively, but still productive in other ways. His line has dealt with injuries and instability, limiting its ability to generate consistent offence.
Even so, Roy has contributed a more balanced, two-way game. The group has remained defensively sound, and that is an important part of his development. Learning to stay effective without relying solely on scoring is a necessary step at this stage.
David Reinbacher
The debate around Reinbacher ultimately comes down to role versus readiness. While he could step into Montreal’s lineup and provide immediate defensive stability, the question is whether that would maximize his development.
In Laval, he has the chance to play in all situations and take on a leading role during a playoff run. That environment allows him to grow into the player Montreal expects him to become. The organization views him as a future top-pair shutdown defenceman, and Laval offers the opportunity to develop in that role immediately. Heavy minutes, top-pair responsibility, and a deep playoff run provide a stronger development environment than limited NHL usage.
Adam Engström
Engström has been one of Laval’s most dependable players all season. He has handled heavy minutes and remained healthy for the most part to provide consistency on a blue line that has dealt with injuries.
His ability to log over 20 minutes a night in all situations makes him a key piece of Laval’s playoff push. While he may not draw as much attention as other prospects, his reliability has been essential to the team’s success.
Michael Hage
Hage presents one of the more interesting decisions for the organization. If he turns pro immediately, the choice between Laval and Montreal is not straightforward. In Laval, he would likely take on a major role, potentially centring the top line and facing heavy matchups. In Montreal, he could be eased in with sheltered minutes, power-play opportunities, and less pressure to drive results.
Both paths offer playoff experience, but the NHL route may actually provide a smoother transition. There is also the contract element, as playing NHL games now would burn a year of his entry-level contract and accelerate his timeline toward a second deal.
