The 25-year-old forward was traded to the Panthers by the Buffalo Sabres on July 24 for goalie prospect
Devon Levi
and a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
"It's exciting and has that extra level of motivation, knowing the group of guys they have, knowing the talent level that's there and what they're setting out to do, what their goals are," Reinhart said Thursday. "It's a great feeling and really refreshing coming into that mindset and I can't wait to do my part and fit into what they've already been building and hope to help put us over the top."
Reinhart said he can envision being with the Panthers beyond the length of his new contract.
"I don't think I can stress enough that both parties are confident this is going to work out and ultimately be something longer than that," he said. "That's the plan for both of us. I think it's a great opportunity for me to get down, get familiar and start building in this win-now mentality that's been building for years. Hopefully this year and the next two in this deal, we can really reach our goals but it's something that we both envision can be a lot longer."
Reinhart led the Sabres in goals (25) and points (40) in 54 games last season.
Selected by Buffalo in the first round (No. 2) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Reinhart has scored 295 points (134 goals, 161 assists) in 454 NHL games.
The Panthers (37-14-5) finished second in the Discover Central Division last season and lost in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup First Round.
"Sam is a gifted and versatile talent that will play a key role for our team in the coming seasons," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "One of several players to commit to our organization with a multiyear contract this offseason, we are excited to see how these players come together and continue to build a foundation for success in South Florida."
In addition to Reinhart, the Panthers this offseason signed restricted free agent forwards Sam Bennett (four years) and Anthony Duclair (three years), and defensemen Gustav Forsling (three years) and Brandon Montour (three years).
Forward Carter Verhaeghe, who could have become a restricted free agent after the season, signed a three-year contract extension on July 28.
