Canadiens select David Reinbacher fifth-overall

The Austrian's 22 points in 2022-23 were the most by a teenager in the Swiss National League

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By Montreal Canadiens
@CanadiensMTL canadiens.com

MONTREAL - The Canadiens selected defenseman David Reinbacher with the fifth-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday night.

Reinbacher made Austrian hockey history by tying former Hab Thomas Vanek as the highest-drafted player from that country.

The 18-year-old was the first defenseman off the board at this year's Draft.

Reinbacher, a right-handed blue-liner, scored three goals and added 19 assists in 46 games with HC Kloten in the Swiss National League this past season.

Wednesday marked the sixth time in franchise history that the Canadiens picked in the five spot at the NHL Draft.

Previously, Carey Price (2005), Petr Svoboda (1984), Cam Connor (1974), Ray Martyniuk (1970) and Phil Myre (1966) had their names called fifth-overall by Montreal.

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