Sam Reinhart Reveals State of Extension Talks

In case there was any doubt about other impending unrestricted free agents having noticed William Nylander's new massive contract, you can put that to rest. Sam Reinhart, the Florida Panthers' leading scorer, off to the best start of his career, was all smiles on the Frankly Speaking podcast with Frank Seravalli, while admitting he was well aware of the Nylander's $92M deal. 

I’m a fan of the game. It’s tough to not keep track of it. 

Being in a contract year isn’t something new to me. I’ve got no problem with contract negotiations being ongoing, it’s not taking away from my preparation or how I handle day to day and that’s kind of where I stay in my head, kind of my focus. The interest is definitely mutual and definitely positive.

Reinhart is transparent that he definitely wants to stay in Miami. “That’s the goal. I love it in Florida and I know they’re happy to have me,” Reinhart said. “I’m just happy with where we’re at as a team right now.”

The Panthers are, indeed, currently on a roll, with an eight-game winning streak placing them second in the Atlantic Division at 26-12-2. The defending Eastern Conference champions are tied for second in the conference with 54 points. 

As for Reinhart, he's been on a roll all season, with 29 goals, 22 assists and 51 points in 40 games to go with a plus/minus of +17. He's on pace for 59 goals and 104 points. His previous career high in goals was 33 (2021-22) and points was 82 (same season). 

Reinhart, 28, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, while Nylander was taken six picks later at No. 8. 

With talks "definitely positive," we can likely expect another contract announcement close to the $90M range coming at some point this year, this time from Florida. 

Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports