Sam Reinhart and Joe Thornton excited about Florida Panthers; see opportunity to win Stanley Cup

The Florida Panthers signed two new players this summer that will play a key role in reaching their ultimate goal – the Stanley Cup. Newly acquired forwards Sam Reinhart and Joe Thornton are both excited about what this team will do next season.

Sam Reinhart motivated by trade to Panthers

The Florida Panthers on Wednesday announced a 3-year contract worth $19.5 million with Sam Reinhart. His AAV comes out to $6.5M against the cap.

Reinhart, 25, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on July 24th in exchange for goaltender Devon Levi and a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

“I saw a couple games against Tampa, which was a heck of a series,” Reinhart said referencing this past postseason. “To be able to see where they were able to get to and ultimately where they want to get to is something motivating for me, especially from summer moving into the start of camp and the start of the season.”

Coming over as a restricted free agent he led the Sabres in goals (25) and points (40). Reinhart has recorded 295 points (134 goals, 161 assists) in 454 career games since being selected second overall by Buffalo in the 2014 NHL Draft.

The Panthers now have a highly motived player itching to compete in the playoffs.

“It’s exciting and has that extra level of motivation, knowing the group of guys they have, knowing the talent level that’s there and what they’re setting out to do, what their goals are,” Reinhart said of his new deal on Thursday. “It’s a great feeling and really refreshing coming into that mindset and I can’t wait to do my part and fit into what they’ve already been building and hope to help put us over the top.”

Florida Panthers

Joe Thornton feel Panthers close to winning it all