Habs Daily: Second-Line Questions, Reinbacher Injury, Hutson

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

Montreal Canadiens News

The Habs provided a medical update on David Reinbacher. The injury is a broken metacarpal, which is essentially the bone that connects the wrist to the finger bones. Reinbacher is expected to miss roughly a month of action, signalling yet another unfortunate injury setback for the young defender. Given his history of injuries, not to mention his lack of ice time since being drafted, it’s only fair to readjust our expectations as to his long-term NHL potential. [Canadiens Impact Of Reinbacher Injury, Adjusted Expectations]

Thursday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs is to be forgotten. Other than the top line, most trios struggled against a team that was much closer to the Marlies than the Leafs. On that note, it’s also difficult to ignore the lack of chemistry between Kirby Dach, Ivan Demidov, and Patrik Laine. To build that chemistry, patience will be in order from all involved, including the fans. [Canadiens Second-Line Issues Take Centre Stage]

Lane Hutson could be one of the most arrogant players in the league. He put together a historic season as a first-year defenceman, winning the Calder Trophy with ease in a season that featured a bevy of talented rookies. And yet, he still approaches the game as if he’s a tweener that’s at risk of being sent to the AHL. Fans of teams with lesser rookies in 2024-25 notwithstanding, it’s hard to picture a situation in which someone genuinely dislikes Huston. He’s just so damn affable, while also being one of the most impressive young players in the league.

Lane Hutson apparently still has the mentality of guy just trying to make the NHL:

“I think you’re always fighting for spots, there are no guarantees ever for jobs. Everyone wants to play for the big club & show what they can do. The fight never stops. You always wanna be ready… pic.twitter.com/QR6yZSwh18

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 26, 2025

ICYMI: There wasn’t much good news that emerged from Thursday’s frustrating loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Habs were outplayed by a wide margin, and if we’re being perfectly honest, it was the Leafs’ B C D team. The only silver lining beyond the decent play of the first line was Ivan Demidov’s impact on the powerplay. The kid can do wonders once there’s a little extra open ice available. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Powerplay Prowess, Injury Distress]

National Hockey Now Network

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov will likely be out for the upcoming season after having surgery on his right knee on Friday. The Panthers announced Friday night that Barkov sustained injuries to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) at Thursday’s practice. Per the team, the expected recovery timeline for Barkov is 7 to 9 months. [Florida Panthers]

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari took his next step in injury rehab on Wednesday, joining the team for the morning skate before the crew departed for Columbus and the team’s second preseason game. Coach Dan Muse updated Acciari’s status, though not much has changed, only that Acciari is still rehabbing from a core muscle injury suffered a few weeks ago, and is still expected to return late in the preseason. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

What does the San Jose Sharks’ identity need to be? Alternate captain Barclay Goodrow, who reached six-straight Conference Finals or Stanley Cup Final from 2019 to 2024, shared his thoughts. Goodrow also discussed how a long off-season has helped him and what ex-New York Rangers teammate Ryan Reaves brings to the Sharks. [San Jose Sharks]