Sam Reinhart’s journey from a young draft pick in Buffalo to a Stanley Cup champion and All-Star with the Florida Panthers is a story of growth, resilience, and excellence
His career reflects the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities when they arise.
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Table of Contents
Sam Reinhart: Who Is He?
Early Life and Hockey Roots
Born on November 6, 1995, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Sam Reinhart was destined for the ice.1
Coming from a hockey family, with his father Paul Reinhart being a former NHL defenseman, Sam was immersed in the game from an early age.
His brothers, Max and Griffin, also pursued professional hockey careers, giving the Reinharts a strong presence in the hockey world.
Sam quickly developed his own identity on the ice, showcasing a high hockey IQ and impressive puck-handling skills that set him apart in his early years.
Hey @verified wanna help me out here?
— Sam Reinhart (@RealSamReinhart) August 7, 2014
Junior Hockey Success with the Kootenay Ice
Before reaching the NHL, Reinhart made his mark in junior hockey with the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
He joined the Ice during the 2010-11 season and quickly evolved into one of the most promising young players in Canadian junior hockey. Reinhart’s leadership and scoring ability became evident when he was named captain of the team, and he went on to have a standout career with the Ice.
His performance there elevated his draft stock significantly and positioned him as a top prospect heading into the NHL Entry Draft.
Reinhart’s talent did not go unnoticed. In the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected him with the second overall pick, marking the beginning of his professional career.
After a brief nine-game stint with the Sabres during the 2014-15 season, in which he registered only one assist, the organization decided it was best for his development to send him back to the Kootenay Ice.
This decision allowed him to further refine his skills and gain valuable experience before making the full-time jump to the NHL.
Sam Reinhart: Career
Establishing Himself in Buffalo (2015–2019)
Reinhart returned to the Sabres for the 2015-16 NHL season and showed clear signs of growth.2
He recorded 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points in 79 games—a strong start for a rookie forward. Over the next two seasons, he maintained solid production, scoring 47 and 50 points, respectively, in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
The 2018-19 campaign marked a significant breakthrough for Reinhart. He played all 82 games and posted career-best numbers, finishing with 65 points (22 goals and 43 assists).
That season showcased his improved consistency and ability to contribute in all situations, whether at even strength or on the power play.
Although the Sabres were struggling to find playoff success, Reinhart became a central figure in their lineup, often acting as a stabilizing force on a team in transition.
Trade to the Florida Panthers: A New Chapter
In July 2021, the Buffalo Sabres made a pivotal move by trading Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers.
In return, the Sabres received goaltending prospect Devon Levi and a 2022 first-round draft pick. The trade marked a turning point in Reinhart’s career, giving him a fresh start on a more competitive team.
For Florida, it was a high-reward acquisition—Reinhart brought experience, skill, and versatility to an already talented roster.
Upon joining the Panthers, Reinhart quickly found his rhythm. He adapted seamlessly to the team’s up-tempo style of play and established himself as a key contributor in both 5-on-5 and special teams situations.
His ability to play both center and wing provided the Panthers with valuable lineup flexibility.
First NHL All-Star Appearance
Reinhart’s efforts did not go unrecognized. In 2024, he was selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
As a member of Team McDavid, he showcased his skills on a national stage, earning praise from teammates, fans, and analysts alike. His All-Star selection was a testament to his growth as a player and his status among the NHL’s elite forwards.
For Reinhart, the All-Star Game wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was symbolic of his transformation from a solid contributor in Buffalo to a true star in Florida.
It also reflected the Panthers’ rise as one of the league’s most formidable teams, with Reinhart playing a key role in their success.
Stanley Cup Glory in 2024
The pinnacle of Reinhart’s career came in the same season as his All-Star appearance. In 2024, the Florida Panthers captured their first-ever Stanley Cup, and Reinhart was a vital part of the championship run.
His clutch performances during the playoffs, combined with his leadership and offensive output, helped carry the Panthers through a grueling postseason.
Reinhart’s poise under pressure and ability to make timely plays were crucial throughout the playoffs. Whether scoring key goals or creating space for his teammates, he proved indispensable during the Panthers’ title-winning journey.
Lifting the Stanley Cup was a defining moment for Reinhart—a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
Sam Reinhart: Playing Style and Strengths
Sam Reinhart is often praised for his cerebral approach to the game. He’s not the flashiest player on the ice, but his ability to read plays, make smart passes, and find open spaces makes him a constant threat.3
His hands are soft, and his hockey IQ is elite, allowing him to make quick decisions under pressure.
Defensively, Reinhart is responsible and dependable. He’s often tasked with neutralizing opposing top lines and plays significant minutes on the penalty kill.
His faceoff ability and positional awareness make him a coach’s dream in close games. Moreover, his versatility—being able to slot in at either wing or center—adds immense value to any lineup.
Leadership and Locker Room Presence
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Reinhart is also known for his leadership qualities. Though not always wearing a letter on his jersey, he leads by example with his work ethic, professionalism, and calm presence in the locker room.
Younger players gravitate toward him, and his experience helps maintain a winning culture within the team.
His move to Florida has allowed him to mature even further, and he is often described as a “quiet leader.”
With his championship pedigree and years of NHL experience, Reinhart serves as both a mentor and a role model for emerging talent on the Panthers’ roster.
The Future of Sam Reinhart
- As of May 2025, Sam Reinhart remains a cornerstone of the Florida Panthers organization. With his prime years still ahead of him, the Panthers will continue to rely on him for offensive production, leadership, and consistency.
- Contract negotiations and potential long-term deals could play a role in his future, but there’s no doubt that Reinhart has found a home in South Florida.
- If he continues on his current trajectory, Reinhart could very well add more All-Star appearances and potentially another Stanley Cup to his resume.
- He has established himself as one of the league’s most complete forwards, and his legacy in both Buffalo and Florida is secure.
- Reinhart’s first season with the Panthers was productive, as he posted 82 points in 78 games during the 2021-22 campaign.
- He continued to thrive in subsequent seasons, showing consistent offensive output and excellent chemistry with his linemates.
- What set Reinhart apart in Florida was not just his scoring but also his defensive responsibility and leadership qualities.
- In a star-studded lineup featuring players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, Reinhart carved out his own spotlight. He was often deployed in crucial moments, both offensively and defensively, proving his value as a two-way forward.
- His calm demeanor and high hockey IQ earned him the trust of head coach Paul Maurice, who relied on Reinhart in all situations.
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Sam Reinhart’s Contract Breakdown
Sam Reinhart, a key figure in the Florida Panthers’ roster, solidified his long-term future with the franchise by signing a massive eight-year contract extension worth $69,000,000.
This deal, which keeps him in Florida until the 2031-32 NHL season, is structured with financial stability and competitive advantage in mind.
In this article, we’ll dissect every major aspect of Reinhart’s deal — from base salaries and bonuses to his historical earnings and per-minute pay — and explore how this contract reflects both his value and the Panthers’ strategic commitment.
A Closer Look at Reinhart’s New Deal
Reinhart’s extension, signed in 2024, comes with a hefty $61 million signing bonus and a full guarantee of the entire $69 million contract. His average annual salary across the eight-year deal is $8,625,000.
For the 2024-25 season, Reinhart will earn $11 million in total cash — $1 million in base salary and a staggering $10 million as a signing bonus.
The cap hit remains consistent at $8.625 million annually, allowing the Panthers to manage their salary structure efficiently over the contract’s term.
Cap Hit and Salary Structure Year by Year
Here’s how Reinhart’s compensation will play out over the length of his contract:
| Year | Age | Cap Hit | Annual Cash | Cumulative Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 29 | $8,625,000 | $11,000,000 | $11,000,000 |
| 2025-26 | 30 | $8,625,000 | $10,000,000 | $21,000,000 |
| 2026-27 | 31 | $8,625,000 | $9,500,000 | $30,500,000 |
| 2027-28 | 32 | $8,625,000 | $9,350,000 | $39,850,000 |
| 2028-29 | 33 | $8,625,000 | $9,350,000 | $49,200,000 |
| 2029-30 | 34 | $8,625,000 | $6,600,000 | $55,800,000 |
| 2030-31 | 35 | $8,625,000 | $6,600,000 | $62,400,000 |
| 2031-32 | 36 | $8,625,000 | $6,600,000 | $69,000,000 |
| 2032-33 | 37 | UFA | – | – |
This structure offers Reinhart security while giving the Panthers some cap predictability.
Salary Components: Base Salary vs. Signing Bonus
Sam Reinhart’s contract leans heavily on the signing bonus side — a smart move for both parties. Bonuses are generally paid upfront and are not prorated over the season like base salaries.
In 2024-25, for example, Reinhart’s base salary is just $1,000,000, while his signing bonus is $10,000,000. This front-loaded compensation ensures Reinhart receives significant guaranteed cash early in the contract.
Based on his 2024-25 total salary of $8,625,000, Reinhart earns around $15.50 per minute, assuming a full 365-day year.
This figure demonstrates the lucrative nature of modern NHL contracts, especially for star players who contribute consistently on the ice.
Sam Reinhart: Total Career Earnings
Reinhart’s financial journey in the NHL began in 2014 with a rookie deal and has since seen him accumulate impressive earnings:
| Year | Total Cash Earned (Year) | Career Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $925,000 | $925,000 |
| 2016 | $1,850,000 | $2,775,000 |
| 2017 | $2,682,500 | $5,457,500 |
| 2018 | $6,232,500 | $11,690,000 |
| 2019 | $9,982,500 | $21,672,500 |
| 2020 | $5,000,000 | $26,672,500 |
| 2021 | $5,000,000 | $31,672,500 |
| 2022 | $8,000,000 | $39,672,500 |
| 2023 | $6,000,000 | $45,672,500 |
| 2024 | $10,000,000 | $55,672,500 |
By the end of the 2024-25 season, Reinhart will have earned $55,672,500 in career salary, with nearly $70 million guaranteed still to come.
While Reinhart’s $8.625 million cap hit places him outside the top 10 highest-paid NHL players, it represents tremendous value for the Panthers.
Considering Reinhart’s production, leadership, and consistency, Florida is getting a premier forward at a team-friendly cap number — particularly important in a league where every dollar counts toward the salary cap.
Past Contracts: The Road to the $69 Million Deal
Before this mega-extension, Reinhart had a series of progressively valuable contracts:
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2021: Signed a 3-year, $19.5 million extension with Florida, averaging $6.5 million annually.
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2020: Played under a 1-year, $5.2 million deal.
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2018: Signed a 2-year, $7.3 million bridge deal with the Buffalo Sabres.
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2014: Began with a 3-year, $10.725 million rookie contract after being drafted second overall in 2014 by Buffalo.
Each deal built Reinhart’s financial stature while rewarding his steady development as a player.
Contract Guarantees and Security
One of the most critical elements of Sam Reinhart’s current deal is the full guarantee — all $69 million is protected.
This not only ensures financial peace of mind for Reinhart but also reflects the Panthers’ confidence in his ability to perform consistently over the long haul.
Such guaranteed contracts are becoming more common for elite NHL forwards, offering security in a physically demanding sport.
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Why Florida Committed Big to Reinhart
There are several reasons the Panthers were willing to invest heavily in Reinhart:
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Consistent Production: Reinhart has delivered multiple 20+ goal seasons and provides scoring depth across all situations.
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Leadership: A respected voice in the locker room and on the ice, his presence helps build a strong culture.
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Playoff Value: Reinhart has proven himself in high-stakes games, a vital asset for a team chasing the Stanley Cup.
Florida’s front office clearly views Reinhart as a foundational piece of their current and future core.
What This Contract Means for the Panthers’ Salary Cap
Locking in Reinhart at $8.625 million annually offers cap predictability. While this is a significant chunk of the team’s overall cap space, it is reasonable given his production and the increasing NHL salary cap in upcoming seasons.
It also allows the team to strategically build around stars like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad.
Sam Reinhart’s contract runs through the end of the 2031-32 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer of 2032, at the age of 37.
Depending on his health and productivity, he may still have another short-term deal left in the tank at that point.
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