Canadiens rookie David Reinbacher out 5-6 months after knee surgery

MONTREAL — Montreal Canadiens rookie defenceman David Reinbacher is out five to six months after undergoing surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning.

The Canadiens announced the injury update after Reinbacher — the No. 5 pick at last year’s draft — fell awkwardly from a hit by Toronto’s Marshall Rifai early in Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season loss to the Maple Leafs.

Montreal is also expected to provide an update on winger Patrik Laine, who left the game moments after Reinbacher following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré.

Reinbacher was likely to start the season with the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s American Hockey League affiliate.