Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Reinhart

Discover the career path of Sam Reinhart, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Sam Reinhart is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Florida Panthers in the NHL. He was drafted second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He is known for his offensive skills and playmaking abilities.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1975: Sabres Rookies Milestone

On March 18, 2015, Reinhart and Jack Eichel became the first pair of Sabres rookies with 20-goal seasons since 1975.

1984: Youngest Player Hat-Trick

On January 10, 2015, Reinhart recorded his first career NHL hat-trick, becoming the youngest Sabres player to do so since John Tucker in 1984.

2006: Sabres Hat-Trick

On January 10, 2015, Reinhart recorded his first career NHL hat-trick, becoming the first Sabres player to record a hat-trick since 2006.

2010: Hockey Career

In 2010, Reinhart played for the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the BC Hockey Major Midget League.

2010: Drafted by Kootenay Ice

In 2010, Reinhart was selected 15th overall by the Kootenay Ice in the WHL Bantam Draft.

2010: WHL Bantam Draft

In 2010, The Kootenay Ice selected Reinhart 15th overall in the WHL Bantam Draft.

2011: Joins Kootenay Ice

In 2010-2011, Reinhart joined the Kootenay Ice for four games and scored the game-winning goal in his first WHL game against the Edmonton Oil Kings. All three Reinhart brothers played in that game. He also played in seven WHL playoff games as part of the Ice's Ed Chynoweth Cup championship team.

2011: WHL Rookie Season

In 2011-12, Reinhart registered 62 points, which put him behind only his brother Max in team scoring. Due to his excellent play in his first full season, Reinhart was awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the top rookie in the WHL.

January 27, 2012: First Hat-Trick

On January 27, 2012, Reinhart scored his first hat-trick against the Prince Albert Raiders.

2012: Competed in 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2012, Sam Reinhart competed for Canada Pacific in the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, though he did not win a medal. He was also selected for Canada's under-18 team for the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships in the Czech Republic, where the team won the bronze medal against Finland in overtime. Reinhart captained the under-18 team at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, with Canada winning gold.

April 2, 2013: Named Captain

On April 2, 2013, Reinhart was named captain of the Ice for the 2013-14 WHL season.

2013: Captained U18 Team at 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2013, Sam Reinhart captained the U18 team at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships in Sochi, Russia. Reinhart scored three goals and four assists to help Canada win the gold, ending the United States' record of four consecutive championships.

October 9, 2014: NHL Debut

On October 9, 2014, Reinhart made his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the sixth-youngest player to dress for the Sabres.

2014: CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

In 2014, Reinhart played in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game as captain for Team Cherry.

2014: NHL Central Scouting Rank

In 2014, Reinhart was ranked fourth on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's midterm rankings for North American skaters.

2014: Played in the 2014 World Junior Championships

In 2014, Sam Reinhart played in the World Junior Championships with his brother Griffin. He registered two goals and three assists in the first three games, but Canada lost the bronze medal game against Russia and finished fourth.

2014: Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

In 2014, Sam Reinhart was selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL entry draft.

October 17, 2015: First NHL Goal

On October 17, 2015, Reinhart scored his first career NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2015: Won Gold at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship

In 2015, Sam Reinhart represented Team Canada at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, where the team won gold. Sam served as one of two alternate captains and scored the game-winning goal against team Russia in the gold medal game, which was his fifth of the tournament. Reinhart finished with a total of 5 goals and 11 points leading all players in goals and points.

2016: Represented Team Canada at 2016 IIHF World Championship

In 2016, Sam Reinhart represented Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, helping the team win Gold and finishing the tournament with four assists in 10 games.

April 1, 2018: Second NHL Hat-Trick

On April 1, 2018, Reinhart scored his second career NHL hat-trick in a 7–4 win over the Nashville Predators.

September 19, 2018: Contract Extension

On September 19, 2018, Reinhart signed a two-year, $7.3 million contract extension with the Sabres.

April 29, 2019: Named to Team Canada roster for 2019 IIHF World Championship

On April 29, 2019, Sam Reinhart was named to the Team Canada roster for the 2019 IIHF World Championship held in Slovakia.

May 26, 2019: Won Silver Medal at 2019 IIHF World Championship

On May 26, 2019, Sam Reinhart helped Canada progress through to the playoff rounds before losing the final to Finland to finish with the Silver Medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. He finished the tournament posting 3 goals and 5 points in 10 games.

October 25, 2020: Contract with Sabres

On October 25, 2020, Reinhart signed a one-year, $5.2 million contract with the Sabres.

July 24, 2021: Traded to Florida Panthers

On July 24, 2021, Reinhart was traded by the Sabres to the Florida Panthers.

June 24, 2024: Stanley Cup Finals Goal

On June 24, 2024, in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, Reinhart scored the decisive goal that propelled Florida to a 2-1 victory for Florida’s first Stanley Cup title.

2024: Outstanding Performance in the 2024-25 Season

In the 2024–25 season, Sam Reinhart scored 39 goals, the most of any Panther, and led the team in points with 81 in 79 games. He was also named a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward.