Habs Daily: Reinbacher’s Development, Hutson Snubbed, Slafkovsky

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Montreal Canadiens defenceman David Reinbacher nabbed the No.2 spot in our annual prospect rankings. There’s no doubt Reinbacher has dealt with a less-than-ideal development path, including a rocky season in Switzerland, as well as a few significant injuries that could have impacted his mobility. The good news is that Reinbacher’s skating is back to 100 percent, and there’s no rush to thrust him into the NHL. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – Mobile David Reinbacher]

It’s not the end of the world, but it is rather curious that USA Hockey opted not to invite Lane Hutson to their Winter Olympics Orientation Camp, especially when we consider his impact in the NHL, as well as his past service with Team USA. The good news is that Habs sniper Cole Caufield was included in the 44 players invited to the orientation camp. [Canadiens Defenceman Hutson Snubbed By USA Hockey]

Juraj Slafkovsky wants the Habs to make the playoffs next season, but more importantly, he hopes they can take the next big step in their long-term plans, which means winning a playoff round.

Slafkovsky talking about making the playoffs this szn !

source: TVA SPORT via facebook pic.twitter.com/6iIqdfvsP4

— ⁷²𝚅𝚎𝚎²⁰ (@Veehockey) August 19, 2025

ICYMI: Talented goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler nabbed the No.3 spot in our annual rankings, as voted on by Habs fans. His time in the NCAA was very encouraging, but despite the fact that he represents the next great hope in the crease, there’s absolutely no need to rush him to the NHL. There are lessons to be learned from the mistakes made while trying to rush Cayden Primeau to the big show. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – Heir Apparent Jacob Fowler]

National Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust was not even an afterthought for Team USA in the Four Nations Tournament last February, but a silver medal with the pain of a heartbreaking loss to Team Canada, and 31 goals last season for Rust seem to have changed the situation. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

The Blackhawks’ Golden Era was obviously the 2010s, when the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups in six seasons. Those teams were stacked with Hall of Famers. Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith have already been elected, and they will undoubtedly be joined by Brent Seabrook, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews. Those teams also had excellent secondary players, such as Patrick Sharp, Andrew Shaw, and Niklas Hjalmarsson, to help with the heavy lifting. [Chicago Blackhawks]

With August first well in the rearview mirror, and rosters already being set for the 2025-26 season, the Flyers will have eight prospects in the NCAA next year. [Philadelphia Flyers]