NHL-NEWS: The Boston Bruins’ elite left defense player has officially been acquired by the Florida Panthers. ESPN reports that a three-year contract worth $26.7 million was signed after…….

FLORIDA PANTHERS AND ALL-STAR FW SAM REINHART AGREE TO 8-YEAR, $69 MILLION DEAL

The reigning Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers locked their All-Star forward Sam Reinhart on a new long-term extension.

The Panthers announced that Reinhart, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, signed an eight-year, $69 million deal with the franchise.

Reinhart joined the Panthers in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the 2021–22 and quickly established himself as one of the key players for the franchise. That was particularly on display during the Panthers’ championship run this past season.

Playing in all 82 games in 2023-24, Reinhart put together a career-best campaign with 57 goals and 37 assists for a total of 94 points. He also had 16 points (10 goals and six assists) in the postseason and scored a game-winner in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against Edmonton Oilers to give the Panthers the first championship in franchise history.

“Since coming to South Florida, Sam has demonstrated his ability to be a powerful scoring threat while maintaining strong defensive play,” said Panthers’ President of Hockey Operations Bill Zito. “His versatility and value as a player are only outshined by his premier personality and work ethic, and we are pleased to have him continue on with our group.”