Montreal Canadiens rookie defenceman David Reinbacher is out five to six months after undergoing surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning.
The Canadiens announced the injury update after Reinbacher — the No. 5 pick at last year’s draft — fell awkwardly from a hit by Toronto’s Marshall Rifai early in Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season loss to the Maple Leafs.
Montreal is also expected to provide an update on winger Patrik Laine, who left the game moments after Reinbacher following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré.
Reinbacher was likely to start the season with the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s American Hockey League affiliate.
The 19-year-old from Austria spent the last two seasons with Switzerland’s Kloten HC.
He also registered two goals and three assists in 11 games with Laval late last season.