And just like that, the Panthers have opened their cup window.
The Florida Panthers and forward Sam Reinhart have agreed to terms on a three year contract extension.
Reinhart will earn a total of $19.5 million over three years, averaging $6.5 million a year.
The 25 year old winger marks the beginning of the cup window for the Panthers.
Totaling 25 goals and 15 assist in 54 games last season, Reinhart was a restricted free agent and needed a contract from the Panthers before he could play.
“It’s exciting and adds that extra level of motivation knowing the group of guys here, the talent level, and with what they’re setting up to do… I cant wait to do my part and fit into what they’re already building.”
Sam Reinhart
With Reinhart now signed, the Panthers have around 1.3 million in available cap space remaining. Being this close to the cap ceiling removes much of the team’s flexibility going forward. They will be unable to acquire a major player without trading one away.
Panthers’ GM Bill Zito made an effort to lock up his core for the future. He signed all of the major free agents on the team to similar three or four year deals.
Namely, Anthony Duclair, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, Gustav Forsling, and Brandon Montour all signed new contracts this offseason, each lasting either three or four years.
Barkov is expected to sign a long term deal with the team in the coming weeks.
Sam Reinhart is one of the pieces for a Stanley cup run as management believes this team can make it happen.
The front office’s vision of this team has manifested into a team which has three seasons to win the Stanley cup. If the Panthers are successful during this window, expect the same players to receive contract extensions.
If they cannot win the ultimate prize, expect major changes in the 2024 offseason.
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