The top of the 2023 NHL Draft is loaded with forwards and offensive upside, but eventually a blueliner's name will be called and the expectation is that Austrian-born David Reinbacher will be the first one. The question is: will he be called as early as fellow Austrian Thomas Vanek, who came off the board fifth overall in 2003?
Though he's Austrian and plays for them internationally, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound Reinbacher has played his hockey in Switzerland since the age of 14, and made the jump to that country's top professional league this season with HC Kloten. Auston Matthews played in the same league for his draft season.
And Kloten wasn't shy to use Reinbacher. He was given ice time and opportunity, and met the challenge with a highly productive season. He did sustain a minor knee injury at the very end of his season while at the World Championship, but resumed playing before the event was over.
For more on the favourite to be the first blueliner off the board, we turn to Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala...
Sam Cosentino on the player: It’s not often an 18-year-old player, let alone a defenceman, is relied upon to play in every situation in a top men’s league. Reinbacher was all of that for Kloten in the NLA, or the Swiss National League. His 22 points are the most by a draft eligible defenceman in league history and rank second to Auston Matthews’ 46 points as the most for any draft eligible skater in league history.
There were two occasions where scouts wanted to hunker down on Reinbacher. The first was the world juniors, where it was expected he would be one of the best defencemen in the tournament. Unfortunately, he was ill and not at 100 per cent which forced him to miss a couple of games. Then, the Austrians leaned on him so much when he was healthy that it limited his effectiveness. The other point of interest was the men’s worlds, where he was limited to four games.
Unfortunately, Reinbacher suffered a knee injury there and his body of work playing on the big stage was limited. Based on a complete recovery, Reinbacher will become the highest drafted Austrian-born defenceman and may just challenge Thomas Vanek (fifth overall in 2003) as the highest Austrian ever drafted.
Jason Bukala's scouting report: Highly coveted right-shot defender. A two-way defenceman who skates very well and can join the rush as an extra layer, or skate the play up ice on his own.
A big body who can be used in all situations. Uses his length to gap up and take away time and space. Leans distributor more than shooter, but when he gets a lane he has an understated shot from range. Thinks the game very well. NHL top pairing defenceman in time.
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