It’s been quite a week for Florida Panthers star forward Sam Reinhart. Just days after helping lead the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, Reinhart has signed a eight-year contract extension, the team announced Monday. Reinhart’s deal is worth $69 million, according to an ESPN report.
The Panthers star recently score the game-winning goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Reinhart tallied 10 goals during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs after racking up a career-high 57 goals in the regular season.
Reinhart has been a member of the Panthers since the 2021 offseason, when he was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to South Florida. Reinhart has tallied 243 points (121 goals, 122 assists) during his three seasons with the Panthers.
“Since coming to South Florida, Sam has demonstrated his ability to be a powerful scoring threat while maintaining strong defensive play,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement. “His versatility and value as a player are only outshined by his premier personality and work ethic, and we are pleased to have him continue on with our group.”
Now, the Panthers will have their core group of Matthew Tkachuk, 2024 Selke Trophy winner Aleksander Barkov and Reinhart together for at least the next six seasons.
Getting Reinhart’s extension done under the wire was arguably the most important piece of business for the Panthers’ front office this offseason. Meanwhile, defenseman Brandon Montour, who has been a key cog on the team’s blue line, will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Reinhart wasn’t able to attend Florida’s Stanley Cup parade on Sunday because he was attending his best friend’s wedding. However, he’ll be able to help defend Lord Stanley’s Cup during the 2024-25 season.
In a move that solidifies their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, the Florida Panthers have signed forward Sam Reinhart to an eight-year contract extension following their Stanley Cup victory in the 2024 NHL free agency period.
Reinhart, who was acquired by the Panthers in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres last season, played a key role in helping the team capture their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The 28-year-old forward recorded 67 points in 82 regular-season games and added another 23 points in 23 playoff games, including the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The contract extension is reportedly worth $64 million, making Reinhart one of the highest-paid players on the Panthers roster. General manager Bill Zito praised Reinhart’s leadership and offensive prowess, stating that he is a key part of the team’s future success.
“Sam has been an integral part of our team’s success this season, and we are thrilled to have him locked up for the long term,” Zito said in a statement. “His skill, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the ice make him a valuable asset to our organization, and we believe he will continue to be a key contributor as we strive for more championships in the future.”
Reinhart expressed his excitement about signing the contract extension and continuing his career with the Panthers.
“I am thrilled to be staying in Florida and continuing to build on the success we achieved this season,” Reinhart said. “I believe in this team and our ability to compete for championships, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it for the next eight years.”
With Reinhart locked up long term, the Panthers are poised to remain a competitive force in the NHL for years to come. Fans can look forward to seeing Reinhart continue to make an impact on the ice as he helps lead the team in their quest for more Stanley Cup victories.
