Habs Daily: Reinbacher’s First Goal, Canadiens Trade Talk, Beck

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Prospect David Reinbacher continues to enjoy a successful return to play in the AHL. The 20-year-old defenceman’s agility has been impressive, especially when we consider he recovered from a knee injury that could have impacted his mobility. On top of looking good to the eye and earning praise from Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent, Reinbacher scored his first goal of the season on Wednesday, as the Rocket faced the Utica Comets.

Reinbacher picked the perfect time to join the rush, using his wingspan to tip the puck behind Isaac Poulter. It’s great to see him score, but the most encouraging aspect of his play has been his decisiveness and decision-making.

David Reinbacher scores his first goal of the year via a nice tip. Set up by Dauphin. #AHL pic.twitter.com/evQLOo8hj5

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) March 6, 2025

Now that Jake Evans has signed a four-year contract extension, the NHL Trade Deadline discussion has shifted to forward Joel Armia, as well as defenceman David Savard. Darren Dreger suggested there may be a market for both, pointing to Winnipeg as a potential landing spot.

The situation is complicated, and not only because of Evans’ extension. As it stands, the Canadiens have a legitimate chance to qualify for the playoffs. [Trade Deadline: Canadiens Delicate Situation For Armia & Savard]

The Calder Cup playoffs don’t start any time soon, but to qualify for playoff action players must be in the AHL by the 3 pm NHL Trade Deadline on Friday. Owen Beck is likely to be ‘papered’ allowing him to play, but Jakub Dobes, Arber Xhekaj, and Emil Heineman are unlikely to loaned to the Laval Rocket, as they’re now considered full-time members of the NHL team. [AHL Playoffs Eligibility – Canadiens Deadline To ‘Paper’ Prospects]

We weren’t the only ones who expected a trade involving Evans. He admitted he had his boxes packed in anticipation of a deal.

« Nos boîtes étaient faites il y a deux jours »

-Jake Evans pic.twitter.com/CdM7IIwqj2

— RDS (@RDSca) March 5, 2025

Evans’ decision wasn’t solely dictated by money, but rather a sense of contentment with his current situation in Montreal, not to mention the team’s potential for success in the near future. [Canadiens Analysis: Impact Of Jake Evans Contract Extension]

Let’s Go Jake!! #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/DIEpklT4Wm

— Leo Montanaro (@montanaro_67075) March 5, 2025

Top prospect Ivan Demidov has cooled of late, at least relative to his usual torrid scoring pace. He’s leading SKA in scoring with 19 goals and 30 assists, and was recently named to the All-Rookie Team for the month of February.

Congrats to Ivan Demidov on being named to the KHL All-Rookie Team for February 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YpYvkb89MA

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 5, 2025

I forgot to post this yesterday, but here’s Demidov’s 49th point, an assist on Matvei Korotky‘s fifth goal of the year.

National Hockey Now Network

The Pittsburgh Penguins are making all sorts of trades, but I’m honestly having a hard time figuring out their game plan. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

It’s the news the New Jersey Devils and their fans feared. Jack Hughes had successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday. He is done for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, including the playoffs. He’s expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp in Fall 2025. [New Jersey Devils]

The Florida Panthers appear to have addressed their forward depth by staying in house (sort of) by signing Jesse Puljujarvi to a one-year, two-way contract. [Florida Panthers]