Buffalo Sabres: Still More to Come From Sam Reinhart
By Paul Taylor
Despite an impressive rookie season, Sam Reinhart worked harder than ever during the summer and the Buffalo Sabres can expect to benefit once again.
Early on last season, Sam Reinhart faced a lot of criticism, not helped by scoring just twice in the opening 15 games. In truth, this criticism was extremely unfair for a young player who entered the 2015-16 campaign with just nine appearances for the Buffalo Sabres.
Fortunately for Reinhart, things turned around soon enough. By season’s end, he was second on the Sabres scoring charts with 23 goals, a total which also saw him finish tied for third among all NHL rookies.
One of the key points of the 20-year old’s season, was Dan Bylsma‘s decision to place him on the same line as Jack Eichel. The two became regular linemates at the start of March, and they went on to combine for 29 points in 18 games.
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In order for it to work, it meant Reinhart moving from center to play on the right wing. However, he had no issue with this, especially as it resulted in more playing time.
Speaking to John Vogl of The Buffalo News, Reinhart said: “You look at our depth at center, and I certainly feel comfortable.
“Obviously, I get a chance to play with some pretty good players and get in some more opportunities offensively. It works well for both the centerman and me when I play wing.”
If the 2014 second overall draft pick’s willingness to change positions is a sign of his maturity, another one is his work ethic. Certainly, a lot of players his age would have rested on their laurels, after last season’s success.
Not Reinhart: “I worked the hardest this summer that I ever have, and that’s saying a lot with the summer I had before. The gains I had two summers ago were pretty substantial, and I knew the improvements that could be had over a summer.
“I obviously went back to work and had another good summer and feel great coming in. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
The genesis of the North Vancouver native’s decision to work harder came after his inauguration to the NHL in 2014. He realized pretty quickly that he needed to be faster and stronger, if he was going to survive.
Reinhart said: “Two summers ago was the first summer that I power-skated. This summer, I power-skated even more and went into more depth with that.
“Off ice, I did pretty much the same program but obviously adapted it and went more intense with it. Just as you go, you learn how much bigger and faster the game is getting, and you have to adjust on the fly.”
When you put everything together, there is a lot of reason to be optimistic about the Canadian international’s future with the Sabres. And playing a full season alongside Eichel can only help, especially when you consider the chemistry between the duo.
Overall, it is understandable why Reinhart is excited for the upcoming season, while also remaining grounded: “We’re coming in here with a good mentality.
“Obviously, you look around and it’s not going to be easy. We know what our goals are, and obviously we want to make the playoffs.”
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What kind of campaign are you predicting for Reinhart? Do you anticipate him taking his game to the next level, or is it too soon to expect such a step? Let us know in the comments section below.