Sam Reinhart Bio
Samson Reinhart is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Reinhart has built a reputation as a reliable two-way forward with consistent scoring ability. He scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in Game 7 of the 2024 Final, delivering Florida its first championship in franchise history. Reinhart followed that achievement by helping the Panthers capture consecutive titles in 2025, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s premier offensive talents.
Early Life and Background
Samson Reinhart was born on November 6, 1995, in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Theresa and Paul Reinhart. His father, Paul Reinhart, was a former NHL defenseman who later became a stock market financier and promoter. Growing up in West Vancouver, Reinhart attended Collingwood School where he developed his hockey skills alongside his two older brothers, Max and Griffin. The Reinhart family has deep roots in hockey, with all three brothers eventually reaching the NHL.
Before focusing entirely on hockey, Reinhart played several sports including tennis, baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. He considers himself a soccer fan and still plays tennis during the offseason. Reinhart wore jersey number 23 throughout his youth and junior career, the same number his father wore during his NHL tenure, symbolizing the family’s connection to professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
Reinhart began playing minor ice hockey at the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver. Initially starting as a defenseman, he transitioned to center as he developed. He played for the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the BC Hockey Major Midget League alongside future NHLer Alexander Kerfoot. In his only full season with the Northwest Giants, Reinhart recorded 38 goals and 40 assists, leading the team to the 2010-11 BCMML championship and a fourth-place finish at the 2011 Telus Cup, where he earned both the Top Scorer and Top Forward awards.
The Kootenay Ice selected Reinhart 15th overall in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. In his first WHL game during the 2010-11 season, he scored the game-winning goal against the Edmonton Oil Kings in what became a historic moment, as all three Reinhart brothers played in that same game. Reinhart won the Ed Chynoweth Cup with the Ice that season and was awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s top rookie in 2011-12, recording 62 points as a 16-year-old. He served as team captain for the 2013-14 season and finished his junior career as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 332 points.
Sam Reinhart Career
Buffalo Sabres Era (2014–2021)
After being selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Reinhart signed a three-year entry-level contract and made the opening night roster for the 2014-15 season. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the sixth-youngest player to dress for the Sabres in franchise history. Reinhart recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on October 25 against the San Jose Sharks but was returned to the Kootenay Ice after nine games. In his return to junior hockey, he set franchise records including becoming the first player in Kootenay history to record 300 career points.
During the 2015-16 season, his second with Buffalo, Reinhart scored his first career NHL goal on October 17 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He recorded his first career hat-trick on January 10, 2016, becoming the first Sabres player to achieve this since 2006. Reinhart finished the season with 23 goals and 42 points, becoming the first pair of Sabres rookies with 20-goal seasons since 1975, alongside Jack Eichel. He continued his development over the following seasons, posting career-highs of 25 goals and 53 points during the 2017-18 campaign, which included his second career hat-trick against the Nashville Predators.
Florida Panthers Era (2021–Present)
On July 24, 2021, the Sabres traded Reinhart to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Devon Levi and a 2022 first-round pick. Six days later, he signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with Florida. The move proved transformative for both Reinhart and the franchise. During the 2023-24 season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. In Game 7 of the Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Reinhart scored the decisive goal that clinched the 2-1 victory, delivering the most important goal in Panthers history.
Following the championship, Reinhart signed an eight-year, $69 million contract extension through the 2031-32 season. In the 2024-25 season, he led the Panthers with 39 goals and 81 points in 79 games, earning a nomination for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward. During the 2025 playoffs, Reinhart delivered a legendary performance in the Cup-clinching Game 6 against the Oilers, scoring four goals in the 5-1 victory. This marked the first time since Maurice Richard in 1957 that a player scored four goals in a single Stanley Cup Final game, as the Panthers secured their second consecutive championship.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reinhart is known as a versatile two-way forward who excels at producing offense while maintaining strong defensive responsibility. His hockey IQ and playmaking ability allow him to contribute in all situations, including power plays and penalty kills. His consistent scoring touch around the net and ability to find open teammates make him a valuable asset on any line. Reinhart’s skating improved significantly throughout his career, and his work ethic has earned him recognition as one of the league’s most complete forwards.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his Stanley Cup heroics, Reinhart has accumulated numerous memorable moments throughout his career. His hat-tricks against Winnipeg and Nashville showcased his scoring prowess, while his record-setting junior career with Kootenay established him as one of the most prolific offensive players in WHL history. His Game 7 winning goal in 2024 and four-goal performance in the 2025 clincher represent the peaks of his professional achievements, placing him among the elite players in Panthers franchise history.
Sam Reinhart Career Wins
Throughout his career, Reinhart has accumulated significant accomplishments across multiple levels of competition, from international tournaments to the highest professional league in hockey.
NHL Highlights
Reinhart’s most significant professional achievements came with the Florida Panthers, where he won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025. His Game 7 winning goal in 2024 and four-goal explosion in the 2025 clincher represent the pinnacle of his NHL career. In the 2024-25 regular season, he led the Panthers with 39 goals and 81 points while being named a finalist for the Selke Trophy. Throughout his NHL career spanning over 600 regular season games, Reinhart has consistently been a 20-plus goal scorer with the ability to drive play and contribute in all situations.
International Achievements
Reinhart has represented Canada at numerous international tournaments across multiple age groups. He won gold medals at the 2013 and 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, serving as captain in 2013, and helped Canada capture its fifth consecutive gold at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. At the World Junior level, he earned gold in 2015 and bronze in 2012. His most recent international appearance came at the 2019 IIHF World Championship where he helped Canada win silver. He was also named to Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Junior Career Highlights
Before reaching the NHL, Reinhart established himself as one of the WHL’s most dominant players. He won the Ed Chynoweth Cup with Kootenay in 2011, earned the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie, and was named WHL Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team in 2012. He finished his junior career as Kootenay’s all-time leading scorer with 332 points across 238 games.
Sam Reinhart Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Reinhart comes from a distinguished hockey family. His father, Paul Reinhart, was an NHL defenseman who played for the Atlanta Flames and Calgary Flames, earning All-Star recognition during his career. The Reinhart household produced three NHL players, as Sam’s brothers Max and Griffin also reached the professional level. Max was drafted by the Calgary Flames and played in their organization, while Griffin was selected fourth overall by the New York Islanders in 2012 and won Memorial Cup championships with the Edmonton Oil Kings. The brothers played together briefly in junior hockey, with all three appearing in the same WHL game during the 2010-11 season.
Personal Life
While his teammates and fans commonly refer to him as “Sam,” Reinhart prefers the name “Samson,” his full given name. During his time with the Sabres, teammates called him “Reino,” a nickname that followed him to Florida. Known for his team-first mentality, Reinhart has been recognized for stepping up for colleagues, including caring for a teammate’s cat during the teammate’s absence. His work ethic and character have made him a respected figure throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season represented a breakthrough campaign for Reinhart as he emerged as Florida’s primary offensive catalyst. His 39 goals and 81 points led all Panthers skaters, demonstrating the consistent production that made him a crucial piece of Florida’s championship puzzle. His nomination for the Selke Trophy highlighted his evolution into a complete two-way player capable of impacting games at both ends of the ice.
Throughout the season, Reinhart demonstrated remarkable consistency and clutch performance when needed most. His chemistry with Florida’s top players made the Panthers one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. As the team navigated through the regular season and entered the playoffs, Reinhart’s veteran experience from the 2024 championship run proved invaluable in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
The 2025 playoff run saw Reinhart deliver performances that solidified his place among playoff performers. His four-goal game in the Cup-clinching victory against Edmonton joined rare company, making him the first player since Maurice Richard in 1957 to accomplish the feat in a Stanley Cup Final game. This performance not only secured the Panthers’ second consecutive championship but also established Reinhart as a player who elevates his game when the stakes are highest. Looking ahead, Reinhart’s long-term contract through 2032 ensures he will remain a cornerstone of Florida’s championship pursuit for years to come.