I suppose I did. From the very little I have actually watched, I’m absolutely stunned he was a top-10 pick, let alone top-5.
But as I said, hopefully I’m wrong and he can be a Norris contender.
Again, read through the thread. Months ago I posted that he played the best draft season ever by a defenseman drafted out of Europe only comparable to Dahlin's. This was then supported by lots of numbers recently (not by me).
Also, his assist split is unique. He didn't just collect lucky points, he dominated the league more than any other prospect in his draft season before, maybe even more so than Auston Matthews but surely way more than any other defender. Roman Josi was pretty good in his own right back in the days but nowhere near Reinbacher's level. Not close. As I said many times you can expand this to entire Europe where only Dahlin comes close.
If you don't think Reinbacher justifies a top5 pick that's cool but this would also mean almost instant stagnation for Reinbacher and I don't really see it in this case. His development is very projectable and his game (elite skating and passing, excels at quick and accurate transition from defense to offense) will translate to the NHL very well. If this guy takes the puck away from you or your teammate, you better watch out. Even when facing the boards behind the net he can create offense in no time. He's a master of stretch passes, recognizes open ice and always knows where his teammates are.
The question marks are coachable in my view. With the puck he's rock solid and a very mature player but he can be a bit adventureous and over aggressive without the puck. Loves to step up against the puck. Also loves to join the rush, even crash the net with his team in possession. Nothing too crazy but it might not work quite as well in the NHL, at least not initially... and I can see certain NHL coaches not liking it all that much. As I said I think it's coachable though and no big deal.
Personally, I'd also love for Reinbacher to hold onto pucks for longer, get more comfortable with it but it's probably also a style thing. His vision of hockey is quick passing, quick transition. He's such a good passer, has such a good vision and loves fast paced hockey so he probably just doesn't feel the need to hold onto the puck or do fancy stuff with it.
