Linus Ullmark’s arbitration hearing was scheduled for today.. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres sign Sam Reinhart, Linus Ullmark to one-year contracts

The Buffalo Sabres avoided arbitration with winger Sam Reinhart and goalie Linus Ullmark by signing the restricted free agents to a pair of one-year contracts Sunday.

Reinhart, whose hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, inked a $5.2 million deal. Meanwhile, Ullmark, whose hearing was set for today, signed a $2.6 million contract.

The Sabres now have $6,545,833 in salary cap space remaining, according to capfriendly.com. They still have one arbitration hearing scheduled: winger Victor Olofsson’s on Nov. 4.

Reinhart, 24, earned $3.7 million in 2019-20 in the final season of a two-year, $7.3 million contract. He will be a restricted free agent again next year.

Given the NHL has frozen its salary cap at $81.5 million because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed unlikely Reinhart would sign a long-term extension this offseason.

Reinhart scored 22 goals and 50 points in 69 games last season, his fifth full campaign. He has ranked among the Sabres’ top scorers every season, averaging 22 goals and 51 points. He has established himself as captain Jack Eichel’s right winger and a terrific net-front presence.

The Sabres drafted Reinhart second overall in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Sabres and Ullmark were $2.3 million apart heading into their hearing, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

The Sabres offered Ullmark $1.8 million, while he countered with $4.1 million.

Ullmark, 27, earned $1.325 million last season. He will be an unrestricted free agent next year.

The Swede enjoyed his best NHL season in 2019-20, recording a 17-14-3 record with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 34 games.

From Nov. 16 until Jan. 18, Ullmark compiled a 13-10-2 record with a 2.58 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 25 appearances. An ankle injury he suffered Jan. 28 sidelined him 18 contests.

Ullmark has compiled a 41-41-10 mark with a 2.81 goals against average and a .911 save percentage in 97 career NHL games.

The Sabres drafted Ullmark in the sixth round in 2012, 163rd overall.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *