The postseason is still underway, but the Vancouver Canucks have officially entered the season of rumours and rumblings. In particular, current Buffalo Sabre Sam Reinhart has been mentioned over the last few weeks, and has picked up a bit of steam over the last few days. It is also rumoured that trading away the ninth overall pick in this year’s upcoming NHL Entry Draft is in play.
Let’s start with Reinhart.
Back in May, Paul Hamilton of WGR 550 in Buffalo joined “Halford and Brough in the Morning” on Sportsnet 650, reporting that the North Vancouver native wanted out of Buffalo, and was specifically interested in a move to the West Coast.
Could North Van native Sam Reinhart be in line for a trade back home? Earlier on Halford and Brough, Paul Hamilton of WGR 550 in Buffalo mentioned that he's heard Sam wants to play on the west coast. 🔊 pic.twitter.com/w5CeVNPe7s
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) May 12, 2021
Reinhart was also brought up by Sportsnet insider Elliotte Freidman when he spoke with Satiar Shah, Dan Riccio and Randip Janda on “The People’s Show” on Sportsnet 650. Friedman said that a number of teams, including the Canucks, have liked Reinhart for some time.
"I do think there's a number of teams, including Vancouver, who have liked Reinhart for some time" ~ @FriedgeHNIC
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) June 15, 2021
He joined #ThePeoplesShow earlier to chat about Reinhart, d-man market & expansion draft@SatiarShah | @danriccio_ | @RandipJanda
Listen: https://t.co/lb64ux9bKo pic.twitter.com/7rPvjt8w5j
Reinhart was drafted second overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, one pick ahead of Leon Draisaitl. He is a versatile player who can play centre or wing, and can provide a net front presence. Reinhart has also proven that he has some playmaking talent, in addition to his goal-scoring ability.
This past season, Reinhart scored 25 goals and 15 assists in 40 games with a very bad Buffalo Sabres team. He was 11th in goal scoring at the end of the regular season.
The Sabres have not made the playoffs in Reinhart’s six seasons with the club, so you can’t really blame him for wanting out. Jack Eichel has been reportedly disgruntled in Buffalo as well, with a trade becoming more and more imminent as the days pass, so it makes sense for Reinhart to want to jump ship, too. He is 25 years old (turning 26 in November) and is in the prime of his career. Reinhart is also a local guy, so there is no surprise that there would be interest for him to go to Vancouver. Reinhart will be a restricted free agent this offseason.
“No one wants to go through a rebuild, especially into next year, turning 26 at the start of it or close to the start of it,” said Reinhart, at the Sabres end of season availability. “It’s tough not being able to play meaningful games down the stretch… I don’t think anyone wants to go through that.”
He was also asked about his future.
“”In terms of the future… I’m going to take some time. That stuff’s all going to get figured out when the time comes.”
So, would it really make sense for Jim Benning to look into acquiring Reinhart?