Part of the alchemy involved with building a winning organization is knowing when you push all of your chips in and “go for it.”
The Montreal Canadiens know that they aren’t there…yet.
A new report from RG confirms this. Specifically, there are two prospects that the organization values a lot: David Reinbacher and Michael Hage.
Canadiens Aren’t Trading David Reinbacher or Michael Hage Anytime Soon
The Canadiens value their blue-chip prospects. And while the organization has explored trade situations, according to an RG report published on the morning of August 12th, they refuse to make one area of their roster stronger at the expense of another.
“Any deal must improve the roster without weakening another part of it,” Marco D’Amico wrote in his report. “Hughes has let it be known that they are not looking to fill a hole by creating another hole. The Canadiens would much prefer the use of futures to add to their roster.”
“But the problem is, so does half the league.”
D’Amico views this philosophy as being at odds with trading for big-ticket items on this summer’s trade boards. And it’s another reason why they have held onto Reinbacher and Hage, despite the appetite from other GMs to acquire young talent.
“That philosophy has effectively ruled out certain high-profile trade chips,” D’Amico also reported. “That’s why the Canadiens didn’t even consider including the names of (Michael) Hage or (David) Reinbacher in trade talks this summer. The Canadiens strongly believe in these two.”
D’Amico explains what exactly the Canadiens see in these two young players.
“Reinbacher is projected as a future top-pairing defenseman,” D’Amico revealed. “While Hage’s steady climb up the prospect rankings has given Montreal another potential long-term building block. Keeping both prospects out of trade discussions signals that the Canadiens remain committed to their developmental path, even if it means passing on deals that could provide immediate help.”
Canadiens Not Likely to Land Prized RFA Target
The Canadiens have a glaring need for a second-line center. However, this development all but confirms that they are no longer in the Mason McTavish sweepstakes.
It also doesn’t mean that the Canadiens can’t still swing a trade for someone with the talents of Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt, Marco Rossi, or Nazem Kadri.
One NHL Analyst, James Murphy, speculates that if the Canadiens were to acquire McTavish, it would likely come at the cost of Reinbacher. Murphy believes that is the question the Canadiens have to ask themselves when it comes to adding a second-line center to the mix for the 2025-26 season.
“If there’s a deal to be had by the Montreal Canadiens, at that point, you’d have to think the guy they’re going to ask for is a David Reinbacher,” Tony Marinaro said on his podcast earlier in August. Murphy responded, “Do you do that if you are the Montreal Canadiens? Do you think it’s the sure thing to get that 2C? Or, do you keep going, and maybe something pops up in the season?”
Reinbacher is entering the first year of his three-year $886,666 Entry Level contract. Hage has yet to sign his ELC. The 19-year-old forward recorded 34 points in 33 games for the University of Michigan in the NCAA.
Report: Canadiens Refuse to Trade Great Prospects Now For Immediate Help