David Reinbacher: The Millions He’ll Never See Again

It's not paying off for Reinbacher right now

From a “hockey” perspective, this theory holds water. Reinbacher is likely to develop better by playing 20 minutes against the Marlies than by simply practicing with NHL players.

Except that when it comes to his wallet, this principle doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

Since he spent his post-draft season in Switzerland and played only 10 regular-season games in North America the following year, Reinbacher's contract has been deferred twice. If he had made the jump to North America (NHL or AHL) immediately after being drafted—and had managed to stay healthy—Reinbacher would have had to sign a new deal during the offseason. As it stands, he must play under the terms of his entry-level contract in 2026–27 and 2027–28.

He was entitled to signing bonuses during his first three seasons—2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26. He did not necessarily have to play for the Canadiens to receive them.

Since the contract was extended twice, Reinbacher is therefore not eligible for a signing bonus in 2026–27 and 2027–28. Consequently, he received nothing in that regard this year.

Furthermore, he will earn only an annual salary of $82,500 (U.S.) this season if he is in Laval, compared to $855,000 if he is a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

He also won't be able to earn his performance bonuses while with the Rocket—bonuses that could theoretically total as much as one million U.S. dollars.

Do the math, and you'll come to the same conclusion as I have: if David Reinbacher spends the season in Laval, he'll earn only $82,500 USD… plus a few per diems when the team is on the road.

You can bet that if he had the choice, he'd rather be eating popcorn in Toronto than training in Laval today. And you can understand why.

The millions he won't have earned over the five seasons following his amateur draft in North America—he'll never see them again.

The comparisons speak for themselves

There's an old saying that goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” But in David Reinbacher's case, that old saying doesn't apply.

The four players selected ahead of him in 2023 are Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Will Smith. Bedard will earn $17 million this year.

Leo Carlsson? $20.8 million.

Adam Fantilli? $16 million.

And Will Smith? $950,000 and $3.2 million in potential bonuses. Unlike Reinbacher, he'll also have to renegotiate a new contract before the start of next season.

Zachary Benson ($9 million), drafted after Reinbacher, is already raking it in.

Ryan Leonard ($15.7 million) will hit the jackpot next year.

Meanwhile, Dmitri Simashev and Matvei Michkov are earning at least an NHL salary, even though they're still on their entry-level contracts.

In short, if at times you may seem exasperated by Reinbacher's numerous injuries and roster cuts, keep one thing in mind: he's 1,000 times more frustrated than you are. Instead of thinking about what he'll do with his millions, Reinbacher is wondering whether he can afford to treat himself to a slightly luxurious meal when his friends invite him out to dinner.

Officially, David Reinbacher is part of the middle class. He has the same choices to make as you and I.

It's still mind-boggling to think that a fifth-round pick is making less money than I am, more than three years after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens.