Canadiens Send Reinbacher and Beck to Laval: Why That's Good

Montreal Canadiens fans would love to see young players arrive in Montreal and make themselves permanent fixtures in the lineup. That’s part of the fun of watching a team build for the future. But sometimes, a short trip to the NHL is just that.

The Canadiens sent David Reinbacher and Owen Beck back to the Laval Rocket on Wednesday after giving both prospects a brief look with the big club. Reinbacher played one game, while Beck appeared in two. Neither found the scoresheet, and both received limited ice time.

I wouldn't make too much of this move. In fact, it may be a good lesson for Montreal and its fans.

A Few NHL Minutes Won't Tell the Whole Story for Either Habs Prospect.

Reinbacher, a defenceman, played just 9:09 in his one appearance. Beck averaged 7:23 over his two games and was a healthy scratch for Montreal's last two contests before being sent down. That's not much time to show what you can do. It's difficult for a young player to find a rhythm when he's watching from the press box or getting a handful of shifts each period.

Of course, the NHL isn't a development camp. Coaches have games to win, and they have to put the players on the ice they believe give them the best chance. There's a balance here, and it isn't always easy to get right. But that's where Laval comes in. Both players should have more opportunities to play regularly, make mistakes, learn from them, and take on more responsibility. Sometimes, that's worth more than another week of limited NHL minutes.

Montreal Has to Be Patient With Its Young Players.

Reinbacher and Beck aren't at exactly the same stage of their careers, but the challenge is similar. They need to keep building their games until the Canadiens have a reason to give them bigger roles. And remember, development doesn't always move in a straight line. A player can look ready in one stretch, need more work in another, and eventually come back stronger. That's hockey, especially for young players trying to establish themselves in the best league in the world.

For fans, it's tempting to treat every call-up as an audition and every demotion as a verdict. I'd be careful about doing that here. The Canadiens have invested in these young players. Now the job is to give them the right opportunities to grow, rather than rush them into roles they're not ready to handle consistently.

What's Next for These Canadiens Prospects?

The next step is pretty straightforward. Reinbacher and Beck need to get back to work in Laval, play meaningful minutes, and give Montreal a reason to call them up again. Neither player needs to prove everything in a handful of NHL shifts. What matters is whether they're improving, becoming more reliable, and earning the trust that comes with a bigger role.

For Canadiens fans, patience isn't always easy. But sending a prospect back to the AHL isn't necessarily a step backwards. Sometimes, it's the step that helps him move forward.