Sam Reinhart scored a career-high 25 goals last season. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres re-sign Sam Reinhart to two-year, $7.3 million contract

BUFFALO – Sam Reinhart’s holdout is over. The Sabres have re-signed the winger to a two-year, $7.3 million contract, the team announced late this morning.

Reinhart, 22, was the team’s last unsigned restricted free agent and missed the first five days of training camp.

Reinhart will receive $3.55 million this season and $3.75 million in 2019-20, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. He will be an RFA again after the contract expires.

A bridge deal for Reinhart makes sense. Yes, he has been productive in his short career, averaging 22 goals and 46 points in his three full NHL seasons. But the Sabres have center Jack Eichel’s eight-year, $80 million contract kicking in this season.

They also must think about new contracts for defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and center Casey Mittelstadt, two talented rookies playing on their entry-level deals.

Reinhart set career highs across the board last season, scoring 25 goals and 50 points in 82 games. Following a poor start, he recorded 18 goals and 37 points in the final 38 contests. Still, the Sabres were probably reluctant to award a long-term deal to someone who mustered only five goals and 11 points in his first 38 outings last season.

Remember, Tim Murray, not current general manager Jason Botterill, drafted Reinhart second overall in 2014.

Reinhart has compiled 65 goals and 140 points in 249 NHL games. He will likely practice with his teammates Thursday. The Sabres have today off.

One thought on “Sabres re-sign Sam Reinhart to two-year, $7.3 million contract”

  1. Smartest move by Botts to date. I say this because while a lot thought a long term deal was right, I thought not. Reason being is he has not shown consistent good play on the ice. Playing well in the 2nd half of the last 2 seasons indicate he deserves a shorter contract.

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