Sam Reinhart has been a key offensive player for the Florida Panthers over the past four seasons, mirroring the role William Nylander has held for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Reinhart, now in his 11th NHL season, has claimed two Stanley Cups with Florida, which became possible after signing an eight-year contract valued at $69 million that is considered team-friendly. This deal has sparked discussions about its value relative to Nylander’s contract amid strong on-ice performances.

NHL analyst Dom Luszczyszyn ranked Reinhart’s contract as the fourth-best across the league, emphasizing the Florida Panthers secured an excellent agreement. Writing for The Athletic, Luszczyszyn highlighted how Reinhart’s recent performance justified the terms of his contract.

“Fresh off a year where Reinhart scored 57 goals and finished fourth in Selke voting, the Panthers seemingly got to pretend that season never happened during contract negotiations,” Luszczyszyn wrote.

“Reinhart’s $8.6 million cap hit makes a lot more sense based on what he was after his 2023-24 season, and not based on the seismic leap he took in 2024-25.”

Comparing Reinhart’s Contract and Performance to Nylander and Pettersson

Luszczyszyn drew a sharp comparison between Reinhart and other prominent forwards like William Nylander and Elias Pettersson, noting the cost differences between their contracts despite Reinhart’s superior output in key seasons. According to the analyst, while some regression was expected from Reinhart, the degree to which his salary is lower than his peers stands out.

“Was regression likely? Yes,” Luszczyszyn wrote. “But not to the degree that Reinhart ended up making $3 million less than his contemporaries such as William Nylander and Elias Pettersson.”

In the 2023–24 season, Reinhart scored an impressive 57 goals and contributed 10 in the playoffs, playing a crucial role in helping the Panthers secure their first Stanley Cup. The following season saw him maintain strong performance levels with 39 goals and 81 points, alongside 11 playoff goals and 12 assists over 21 games as Florida claimed a consecutive Stanley Cup victory.

By comparison, Nylander recorded 45 goals in the regular season and six in the playoffs during that same period, while Pettersson had 15 goals and 30 assists. Luszczyszyn argued that Reinhart likely outperforms both players, making his contract not only cheaper but also a better overall value for his team.

“If that was the market for a 90-point forward, Florida went way under it,” Luszczyszyn wrote. “Those savings probably afforded the Panthers the ability to trade for Brad Marchand — and the rest is history.

“What adds further salt to the wound is that Reinhart is not only cheaper than Nylander and Pettersson but also probably better.”

Coach Craig Berube Highlights Nylander’s Poise and Skill in Playoffs

Prior to the Maple Leafs’ elimination in Game 7 against the Panthers last May, Craig Berube offered praise for William Nylander’s calm and confident approach in high-pressure situations. Berube noted that Nylander does not appear overwhelmed by big moments and instead seems to thrive under pressure.

“Nothing gets to him,” Berube said, via NHL.com. “He doesn’t feel pressure. And I could be wrong, but this is what I see. There’s no too big a stage for this guy. He thrives on this stuff, in my opinion, and he looks forward to it.”

Berube also highlighted Nylander’s exceptional stickhandling and skating abilities, emphasizing his offensive talent despite Toronto’s loss to Florida in the playoffs.

Implications for Team Strategy and Future NHL Contracts

Reinhart’s contract serves as a notable example of how securing a high-performing player at a relatively lower cost can provide significant competitive advantages, including the financial flexibility to acquire key assets like Brad Marchand. This approach helped the Florida Panthers build a championship-winning roster in recent seasons. Meanwhile, the ongoing comparison with William Nylander’s contract underscores the delicate balance teams must manage between player performance expectations and salary cap considerations in today’s NHL.

Looking forward, Reinhart’s deal could influence how franchises evaluate and negotiate contracts for top forwards, particularly those who deliver consistent two-way play and significant playoff contributions. Meanwhile, players like Nylander will continue to face scrutiny as their performance and contract values are weighed against comparable contemporaries across the league.