Roster Review: #23 Sam Reinhart

dudacek · September 4, 2015

The penultimate entry in our summertime roster review series:

#23 Sam Reinhart C (three years left at $894,000 per, age 19)

Buffalo 9/0/1/1/-1/2

Kootenay 45/19/46/65/6/20

Canada WJC 7/5/6/11/NA/6

Rochester 3/0/3/3/0/0

Sam Reinhart arrived in Buffalo last summer as the highest-rated forward in a draft that was described as lacking an elite talent up front. That said more about his cerebral style than his effectiveness. This was a player who scored 105 points in 60 games in his draft year, followed by 23 points in 13 playoff games that season for a mediocre Kootenay team. He led Canada to world championship gold at 16 and at 17 and followed that up this year with a third gold medal in four years at 19.

The year after his draft, however, was full of ups and downs. A lukewarm training camp led to a taste of the NHL where he looked physically weak and a step behind the play. That was followed by an offensive explosion his first few weeks back in the WHL, capped by a World Junior tournament where he dominated as the number-one centre and led to his being named the NHL’s top prospect. But the afterglow of the WJCs was characterized by decidedly average numbers back in juniors, exacerbated by the pro successes of a handful of other players from his draft year. He restored some of his lustre by being the outstanding player of the Sabres 2015 development camp but remains overshadowed by the acquisitions of Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly.

Disappointed in their initial NHL look at their first tanking prize, Sabre fans are uncertain about where Reinhart fits in this fall. Wing? Centre? Top six? Seasoning in Rochester? Tim Murray expects him in Buffalo, proving the second-guessers wrong, but until he does that the whispers will remain.

Links to the rest of the series:

Mike Weber: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23569-roster-review-6-mike-weber/

Evander Kane: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23572-roster-review-9-evander-kane/

Carlo Colaiacovo and Matt Donovan: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23576-roster-review-carlo-colaiacovo-matt-donovan/

Jamie McGinn: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23581-roster-review-88-jamie-mcginn/

Ryan O'Reilly: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23583-roster-review-90-ryan-oreilly/

Edited September 4, 2015 by dudacek

... · September 4, 2015

Hockey talk. Okay, Sam looks beastly these days. I think he eventually centers the second line, but can't begin to guess where he (or Eichel) will start.

I expect a slow start from him and Jack, but believe by December both will have soundly found their sea-legs. This will coincide with the forwards and coaches figuring out each other and chemistry developing.

WildCard · September 4, 2015

I went to the B&G Scrimmage they held, and IMO the reports are true: Samson put on weight, and his skating is incredibly improved. My hope is they put him on the 1st line as a winger, with Kane - O'Reilly - Samson, and let him learn from them. Everyone knows we tanked for Eichel, but I'm sure everybody here can recognize the importance Reinhart plays in this rebuild. If hes a bust, we're not completely screwed, but....

qwksndmonster · September 4, 2015

I think he'll get between 35-40 points and look the part. Super excited about Samson.

3putt · September 4, 2015

I think he'll get between 35-40 points and look the part. Super excited about Samson.

I agree with the look the part observation. I think his and everyone's production is dependent upon how quickly everyone adapts to DD's puck possession/ defensively responsible style. I have high hopes for Samson.

French Collection · September 4, 2015

I think he'll be like Larionov instead of Sedin. Smart, positionally sound with excellent vision and passing ability.

I also think he could have put up better numbers in Junior but he focused on wOrking out to get bigger and faster.

He's our future 2C who other teams have a hard time matching up with.

Lanny · September 4, 2015

35 points seems about right for the upcoming season.

I don't believe he'll ever be scoring 80-100 points like Sedin or score as many goals as Toews.

I probably expect more than Plekanec however. I think like 60-70 points and around 20 goals a season is where he tops out.

Neo · September 4, 2015

To the learned and the talent evaluators. I'm a fan of Samson and think he was the right pick at the time. My feeling is unchanged.

Question: What's your view on physicality and speed at the NHL level compared to hockey IQ, in general?

I remember waiting for the breakout from Brian Holzinger, Max Afinogenov and more recently Zack Kassian. Each had a unique physical ability that teased us while we waited for them to get it. Samson gets it. Will his physical skills limit his ultimate upside? Is it reasonable to see a quality third liner, over the long run, in light of his speed and stature?

I'm a big fan, but I have tempered expectations.

LGR4GM · September 4, 2015

Sam Reinhart will be fine. His numbers went down after the world juniors because he was working out more and worrying about being at 100% for every game less. Also he was working on skating, positioning and his defensive game more.

We tanked for Reinhart and Eichel. If Sam Reinhart busts, Tim Murray should be fired. You can't afford in today's NHL to draft 2nd overall and get a worthless player.

Reinhart is never going to really be a player people fully appreciate. He just won't be flashy enough for most.

To the learned and the talent evaluators. I'm a fan of Samson and think he was the right pick at the time. My feeling is unchanged.

Question: What's your view on physicality and speed at the NHL level compared to hockey IQ, in general?

I remember waiting for the breakout from Brian Holzinger, Max Afinogenov and more recently Zack Kassian. Each had a unique physical ability that teased us while we waited for them to get it. Samson gets it. Will his physical skills limit his ultimate upside? Is it reasonable to see a quality third liner, over the long run, in light of his speed and stature?

I'm a big fan, but I have tempered expectations.

Tyler Myers is fast, strong, and talented. He also can't think the game at game speeds consistently. It is important but must be devloped with the other skills too. In today's NHL, having 1 awesome thing only gets you so far.

Also I am sorry but anyone questioning Samson's size doesn't pay any attention to players just drafted size or NHL players actual size. most NHL forwards are not 6'2" 220lbs. Most are like 6' 195lbs. Reinhart is 6'1" 190lbs and 19yrs old. We need to stop the Sabres are small stuff. It simply isn't true anymore.

Neo · September 4, 2015

Size update, point, is noted. As I read your post, and some others, I see he's become solid. I have "slight" as an outdated impression. Grateful ...

3putt · September 4, 2015

To the learned and the talent evaluators. I'm a fan of Samson and think he was the right pick at the time. My feeling is unchanged.

Question: What's your view on physicality and speed at the NHL level compared to hockey IQ, in general?

I remember waiting for the breakout from Brian Holzinger, Max Afinogenov and more recently Zack Kassian. Each had a unique physical ability that teased us while we waited for them to get it. Samson gets it. Will his physical skills limit his ultimate upside? Is it reasonable to see a quality third liner, over the long run, in light of his speed and stature?

I'm a big fan, but I have tempered expectations.

In his first game in the NHL Toews scored a beaut vs Colorado. Everyone thought he would be an explosive Crosby like scorer. When Q took over, he saw a guy that got it and could handle the mental side of being a sound positional player and contributor on offense. The knock was his size and physicality. I remember an interview on then Versus I believe, where they asked him about it. He said being physical isn't the issue, its being determined not to lose a battle that matters. You can win battles in a lot of ways. I thought it was profound for a young guy, and hope Samson feels the same way. If so to quote LGR he will be fine.

LGR4GM · September 4, 2015

Size update, point, is noted. As I read your post, and some others, I see he's become solid. I have "slight" as an outdated impression. Grateful ...

You are welcome. I hear the size thing often. A good, strong, powerful man is Evander Kane. Kane is 6'2" 198lbs according to sabres.com. These guys are very lean. The average weight of a Sabres forward is 200.667lbs and that is fairly standard around the NHL. In reality Samson being 190lbs is right on track with where he should be. Also I have a hunch he is a little beefier than that. The key factor is also how much of that weight is body fat. Kane is such an animal because even at 200lbs he is just all muscle. Zemgus is another guys, listed at only 190lbs, he is very lean but strong. Kessel is the perfect example of heavy but not necessarily strong.

Neo · September 4, 2015

LGR - I ignored a point I often make. A nineteen year old boy often looks different when he's a twenty something man. The NHL system of drafting boys as they project to men is a challenge. No insight from me, here.

I attended the 1991 Entry Draft in Buffalo. Philippe Boucher was a waif!

Equally grateful, 3Putt. I agree with your assessment of profundity.

I'll say one thing. Samson appeared to toy with people at the World Juniors. The impression I got was an older uncle, not as fast as the teenagers playing basketball at the family picnic, but on another planet with his skill and understanding. Smiles all around ...

Dudacek - Awesome summer series.

Edited September 4, 2015 by Neo

That Aud Smell · September 4, 2015

So many reasons to be excited for this season: Reinhart is mos def in my top 5 (reasons).

Eleven · September 4, 2015

I had to blend choices one and two. I think he'll be in the top six, but not 50+ points this year.

bunomatic · September 4, 2015

In the world juniors Domi got most of the accolades but Samson drove that bus. He was a surgeon out there against his peers who happened to be the best in the world in their age group. Given some time he'll do the same against the big boys.

dudacek · September 4, 2015

When he plays with his peers Samson is a joy to watch.

Coaches and fans of technical hockey have to adore him.

He pays chess while the rest play fetch.

I am incredibly high on this kid. I think it will take time, but he will score 50 assists regularly in this league.

3putt · September 4, 2015

When he plays with his peers Samson is a joy to watch.

Coaches and fans of technical hockey have to adore him.

He pays chess while the rest play fetch.

I am incredibly high on this kid. I think it will take time, but he will score 50 assists regularly in this league.

I will take that and run.

Marvelo · September 4, 2015

When he plays with his peers Samson is a joy to watch.

Coaches and fans of technical hockey have to adore him.

He pays chess while the rest play fetch.

I am incredibly high on this kid. I think it will take time, but he will score 50 assists regularly in this league.

Agreed.

SHAAAUGHT!!! · September 4, 2015

He is a exceptional playmaker and does a great job of moving the puck up and around the ice to get his team into scoring position. For me, that is where most of his potential lies.

Hopefully he gets to play with on a line with a sniper or two so he can showcase his game and we can get a good read on his improvement (against NHL'rs) from last year.

Eleven · September 4, 2015

He is a exceptional playmaker and does a great job of moving the puck up and around the ice to get his team into scoring position. For me, that is where most of his potential lies.

Hopefully he gets to play with on a line with a sniper or two so he can showcase his game and we can get a good read on his improvement (against NHL'rs) from last year.

Whoa. How you been, man?

IKnowPhysics · September 4, 2015

Yes. Cuban B.

SHAAAUGHT!!! · September 4, 2015

Whoa. How you been, man?

I've been great, but the Sabre's haven't :flirt: There isn't much to talk about during rebuilding years besides draft picks and who you hope they don't trade when the team's good again; so instead I've just been laying low.

But now I'm definitely excited about watching the Sabs score some goals this season. Sabre's have 4 solid top six forwards (Kane, Moulson, Ennis, O'Reilly), 3 elite prospects that could produce (Girgs, Reinhart, Eichel), and some great role players in Foligno, Gionta, Deslauriers, and Legwand that will give you a consistent effort every night. I'm hoping Gorges is 100% healthy on the blue line, and they make one more move to get a #3-4 defensemen.

French Collection · September 4, 2015

Agree on the points of him being a chess master out there and that he drove the bus while Domi got the glory at the WJC. That is the kind of player he is, not flashy but makes great plays to find the open man and is positionally sound.

The WJC stuff reminds me of Olympic Gold in Vancouver, where Crosby got the glory for scoring the golden goal while Toews was Canada's MVP for the tourney, leading the team in scoring from the third line.

LGR4GM · September 7, 2015

I think his career will best resemble Chris Drury but Sam has more upside.

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Roster Review: #23 Sam Reinhart

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1. What do you expect from Sam Reinhart this year?

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Roster Review: #23 Sam Reinhart

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1. What do you expect from Sam Reinhart this year?

2. Which of these players do you think Sam Reinhart’s career will best recall?

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