Free agency opens at 12:00 EST July 1. At that time, teams will be able to negotiate with any free agent. The Panthers are likely wanting to get a deal done before that point.
Previous Moves Hint Signing Reinhart Is A Priority
The 2024 Stanley Cup Champions have had a busy week. They begun the week by winning the Stanley Cup in a Game 7 classic. The end of the week saw them make some tough financial decisions. Defencemen Brandon Montour is not expected to re-sign with the team. The Panthers are also open to the possibility of trading Aaron Ekblad to free up more cap space, although this does not seem as likely.
The Panthers cannot re-sign everyone. It would seem they have chosen to prioritize bringing back a member of their forward core as opposed to a member of the defence core.
Will Reinhart Stay In Florida?
At this time, it is unknown whether or not Reinhart wishes to stay in Florida or would like to play elsewhere. The fact that negotiations are seemingly continuing seem to suggest Reinhart is at least open to the idea of remaining with the Panthers.
Reinhart has spent the last three seasons with the Panthers after six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. In those three seasons, Reinhart has set career bests in goals while playing on some of the best teams in Panthers history. The Panthers won the President’s Trophy in 2021-22, reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2022-23, and won the Stanley Cup this last season. Reinhart has been part of the core of great seasons for the Panthers.
Reinhart’s success has brought success to the Panthers. On the other hand, it also has driven up Reinhart’s price tag. The Panthers do have the money to re-sign him, and as stated earlier, it appears to be their current priority.
Reinhart Is One Of 3 Big-Name Fowards Due For A Contract
Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, and Jake Guentzel are due for contracts this off-season. All three have at least one Stanley Cup.
Guentzel’s name has come up the most in the days leading up to free agency. At first, it seemed the Carolina Hurricanes were going to make a strong push to re-sign him. It became clear soon after that Guentzel would test free agency. Guentzel’s rights have since been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, indicating the Lightning will be signing him.
It seems Stamkos will be finding a new team as well following the Lightning’s acquisition of Guentzel.
Whoever gets signed first will set the market for the remaining two. The Panthers should re-sign Reinhart before the other two are signed. Conversely, Reinhart may be tempted to hold off on signing to see what the other two get and what other teams may offer him.
Do Not Be Surprised Either Way
The chances of Reinhart re-signing are 50/50. No one should be surprised if he stays with the Panthers. No one should be surprised if he leaves. It will be interesting to see if the Panthers can get a deal done before free agency opens. If they cannot, then anything is possible.
