Reinhart has improved incrementally through each of his first five seasons. He averaged a career-high 20:38 in 2019-20 - up nearly two full minutes from the year prior - and matched his 2018-19 total with 22 goals despite playing just 69 games.
"I think just obviously with the ice time increasing, I think I felt fresher that much more each game … with those added minutes," Reinhart said. "I think it was attributed to the work I've been putting in in the offseasons and just (being) that much older and stronger. I was able to stay fresh on a consistent level. I was really happy with that."
The questions entering this season are: 1) What is the next step in his development? and 2) Where will he be best suited in the Sabres' lineup?
Reinhart spent nearly the entirety of last season skating alongside Jack Eichel, with whom he has developed strong chemistry since the two entered the league together in 2015. He could remain on the Eichel's right wing, potentially with Taylor Hall opposite him.
That said, part of the fun of a revamped roster is imagining the different combinations at coach Ralph Krueger's disposal. Might Reinhart find a natural chemistry alongside Eric Staal? Or, could he provide depth by skating alongside Cody Eakin or Dylan Cozens?
It should be a fun storyline for fans to follow through camp and in the early part of the season.