The Buffalo Sabres have avoided arbitration with Sam Reinhart, re-signing the winger to a one-year, $5.2 million contract, the team announced today.
His hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.
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.
The Sabres now have $8,445,833 in salary cap space remaining, according to capfriendly.com. Goalie Linus Ullmark (Monday) and winger Victor Olofsson (Nov. 4) have upcoming arbitration hearings.
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 quickly established himself as captain Jack Eichel’s right winger and a terrific net-front presence.
The Sabres drafted Reinhart second overall in 2014.
Ridiculous signing