Reinhart contract talks progressing, Sabres GM says

BUFFALO -- Sam Reinhart does not have a contract yet, but he remains a vital piece of the Buffalo Sabres' future, general manager Jason Botterill said Monday.

The 22-year-old forward is the last unsigned restricted free agent remaining for the Sabres, who open training camp Thursday.
"You're always optimistic [that a contract will be done], and that's what we're trying to be right now," Botterill said. "I think both sides are very complimentary and we're just trying to find a deal."
Reinhart had an NHL career-high 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 82 games last season. He was particularly effective in the second half of the season, when he had 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) in the final 38 games.
Reinhart participated in informal skates this past week at the Sabres practice facility and was working exclusively with center Jack Eichel on Saturday.
"I'm excited that Sam's in town working out with our guys and being a part of things," Botterill said. "We continue our dialogue with his agent (Craig Oster) are still very hopeful to get a deal done."

The Sabres selected Reinhart with the No. 2 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Only three players selected in that draft have played more NHL games than Reinhart (249): Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (309), Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (269), and Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak (254).
"[Reinhart] is a part of the rebuild, and that's the bottom line," Botterill said. "We just have to come to a fair deal. We're excited to see Sam [in Buffalo] and it's evident he's worked very hard this summer and, like a lot of our other players, we're excited about the young players we have and then also the new players, so for him to be here and start to interact with them is a great sign."
Only three players chosen in the 2014 draft have more NHL points than Reinhart's 140 (65 goals, 75 assitsts): Draisaitl (207), Pastrnak (203), and Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (162).
"That [contract] stuff's all between us," Reinhart said when asked about negotiations Sept. 4. "Right now, my focus is being around the rink, being with the guys, practicing like I would for a normal season. That's the way it's going to turn out to be, so I'm just treating it like that."