Sam Reinhart is on a tear this season, and with his pending free-agency status, he’s at the top of everyone’s watchlist for this summer. As the NHL’s most coveted potential unrestricted free agent (UFA), Reinhart holds all the cards, but will he remain a Florida Panther or chase a bigger payday elsewhere?
Both Reinhart and Panthers general manager Bill Zito have indicated a desire for a contract extension. Reinhart’s scoring surge will undoubtedly raise the price tag, but he enjoys his situation in Florida, a team cementing its position among the league’s elite.
Sam Reinhart’s Contract Situation: Predicting the Future
Florida boasts a projected cap space of over $20 million for 2024-25, though they also have to navigate the re-signing of important restricted free agent (RFA) Anton Lundell and Brandon Montour’s UFA status.
Earlier this season, Reinhart’s next deal was estimated at around $8.5 million per year. His 52-goal campaign significantly boosts his value – it’s not unrealistic to think he’ll command over $10 million annually on the open market. Florida’s lack of state income tax could be enticing, possibly leading Reinhart to accept slightly less than the highest offer (potentially around $9.5 million annually) to stay with the Panthers.
This will be a fascinating situation to follow in the coming months.
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