The Buffalo Sabres have traded forward Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers. Goalie prospect Devon Levi and a 2022 first-round pick in the NHL Entry Draft is the return.
The Sam Reinhart trade is official: Florida sends a 2022 first-round pick and prospect Devon Levi to Buffalo.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 24, 2021
Sam Reinhart Trade Finally Happens
Since the season-ending interview back in May, Sam Reinhart’s name has been involved in the trade rumours ever since the season-ending interview. Reinhart said in the interview he was disappointed with how the season ended but needed to take some time and see how things would go. After that, multiple sources reported the Sabres could be looking to trade him if the right offer came. He is a restricted free agent and needs a new contract before the new season starts.
However, as the playoffs developed and teams started to be eliminated, the rumours grew stronger. Teams like the Vancouver Canucks, the Calgary Flames, the Columbus Blue Jackets were all involved in said rumours. It’s important to notice that Reinhart’s former teammate Jack Eichel has also been involved in trade rumours, meaning this has been a busy off-season for Sabres fans. Now, the 25-year-old has finally found his way into a new team. Even though there’s more to come for the team, one chapter of the Buffalo off-season comes to an end.
What This Means for the Future
While things for Buffalo didn’t end well this past season, Reinhart took a new step in his career. With Eichel injured since March, he was moved to the centre position and excelled. The 2020-21 season was the first time the forward scored 25 goals since the 2017-18 season. In 54 games, Reinhart scored 40 points, with 16 power-play points, averaging 19:32 time on ice. During his seven-year NHL career, he has scored 134 goals and 295 points in 454 games. Reinhart was drafted second overall by Buffalo in the 2014 NHL Draft.
For Buffalo, Reinhart is a huge loss. He had one of his best performances when coach Don Granato took over the bench and had great chemistry with the rest of the team. The 25-year-old had a great impact on the team during the past seven years and will be missed by both the team and the fans. However, the Sabres have been going through a rebuild that requires a few sacrifices and, unfortunately, their former assistant captain is one of them.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
