Sam Reinhart signs three-year deal with Panthers

The Florida Panthers acquired restricted free agent forward Sam Reinhart from the Buffalo Sabres on July 24 and have now secured his services for the next several seasons. 

The Panthers confirmed Wednesday they've signed Reinhart to a three-year contract. While financial terms weren't officially disclosed, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the deal carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. 

Florida landed the 25-year-old in return for a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and goaltending prospect Devon Levi. Per ESPN stats, Reinhart led the Sabres during the 2020-21 NHL season with 25 goals and 40 points across 54 games. 

"Sam is a gifted and versatile talent that will play a key role for our team in the coming seasons," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in the official release. "One of several players to commit to our organization with a multiyear contract this offseason, we are excited to see how these players come together and continue to build a foundation for success in South Florida."

Restricted free agents Sam Bennett, Anthony Duclair, Gustav Forsling, and Brandon Montour all previously signed with Florida this summer. Forward Carter Verhaeghe put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension in late July. 

Reinhart, meanwhile, has accumulated 134 goals and 161 assists in 454 career NHL regular-season contests since 2014-15.