Sam Reinhart has signed a three-year deal with the Florida Panthers after a trade from the Buffalo Sabres saw Reinhart join a pretty dangerously skilled group of forwards in Florida. He’s now their highest-paid forward and third-highest paid player on the team, but he’s got the potential to be a difference-maker for a team that took a big step forward during the 2020-21 NHL season.
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Reinhart talked his new deal and the prospects of playing in Florida’s improving top six. He said, “Who knows at this point how it’s going to fit together but I feel I’m someone who can slot in anywhere… You look at the possibilities and it’s nothing short of excitement.” He added, “It’s exciting and adds that extra level of motivation knowing the group of guys here, the talent level, & with what they’re setting up to do… I can’t wait to do my part and fit into what they’re already building.”
The Panthers now have three of the top four draft picks from the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. They selected defenseman Aaron Ekblad with their own selection that year, but in two separate trades in a matter of a couple of months, the team added Reinhart from Buffalo and Sam Bennett from the Calgary Flames. All three are now signed through at least the 2023-24 season. Reinhart will be the first due for an extension as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in three seasons time.
General Manager Bill Zito announced Reinhart’s signing with the Panthers on Wednesday and said:
“Sam is a gifted and versatile talent that will play a key role for our team in the coming seasons. One of several players to commit to our organization with a multi-year contract this offseason, we are excited to see how these players come together and continue to build a foundation for success in South Florida.”
Just 25, he’ll be a big part of their offense this coming season. In 54 games for the Sabres in 2020-21, he was one of the few bright spots in an ugly year, scoring 25 goals and 40 points (25-15-40).
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