The Florida Panthers acquired forward Sam Reinhart from the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday in exchange for goaltender Devon Levi and a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
A pending restricted free agent, Reinhart is coming off a season in which he led the Sabres in goals (25) and points (40). The 25-year-old’s goal total matched a career high, initially set during the 2017-18 season.
“Sam has established himself as one of the best playmaking scorers in the league, and we are thrilled to be able to add him to our Panthers lineup,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. “His competitiveness and hunger to succeed will fit seamlessly with the culture we are building here in South Florida.”
Reinhart has recorded 295 points (134 goals, 161 assists) in 454 career games since being selected by the Sabres with the second overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Three of the top four picks of that draft are now with the Panthers (No. 1 pick Aaron Ekblad, No. 4 selection Sam Bennett). Former Hart Trophy recipient Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers was taken with the third overall pick.
Levi, 19, was selected by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He helped Canada to a silver medal at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, posting a 6-1-0 record with three shutouts, a 0.75 goals-against average and .964 save percentage.
Related: NHL games today – 2022 NHL offseason calendar, NHL Draft, free agency
–Field Level Media