Sam Reinhart is showing the Sabres why he needs to stay

There really has not been much consistency for the Buffalo Sabres throughout this roller coaster of a season. One bright spot that has remained throughout the year is the play of Sam Reinhart. After signing a one-year, $5.2 million deal before this season began, the Sabres will be faced with a decision regarding Sam’s future in Buffalo this offseason.

Reinhart has quietly been having a great season. His performance has been overshadowed by the disappointing season that the Sabres have had. He currently has 22 goals and 14 points in 48 games played. His 22 goals have him tied for the seventh-most in the league with Kyle Connor, Max Pacioretty, and Kirill Kaprizov.

Sam has been on an incredible hot streak as of late. He has five goals and one assist over his last three games, which included a hat trick against the Bruins last Friday. And his one goal he had last night against the Rangers may have been one of his most impressive of the year as he kept the puck alive in the offensive zone and was rewarded with a goal.

It would be a mistake by Buffalo to let Reinhart walk in free agency this offseason, but they are in a tough spot. The Sabres will have to make some decisions come free agency. With high-impact players such as Casey Mittelstadt and Linus Ullmark potentially hitting the free-agent market along with Reinhart, Buffalo could be forced to make some tough decisions this offseason.

Reinhart has been a solid piece in Buffalo that has paired well with Jack Eichel ever since he entered the league. He has averaged just over 50 points per season since 2015 and is on pace to put up a little less than that in this year’s shortened season. Bringing Reinhart back to pair with a fully healthy Eichel should be a primary goal for the Sabres this offseason.