20201228_Reinhart

Sam Reinhart gave an honest self-assessment after signing a one-year contract to remain with the Sabres back in October.
"I think I've done a lot that I want to be recognized for and be here long-term, for sure," he said. "There's no question about it. Do I think I've proven everything? No, absolutely not. I don't think anyone can say that with the level or lack of success we've really had as a team."
Here's a look at the Sabres forward entering 2020-21.

Sam Reinhart](https://www.nhl.com/video/c-7132034)

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One big question: Where will he play?

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.

Number to know: 50.95

Reinhart's shot attempts percentage at 5-on-5 led the Sabres last season, slightly ahead of linemate Eichel (50.90). It's a testament to the duo's ability to play in the offensive zone despite facing high-end competition on a nightly basis.

Quotable:

Reinhart on moving forward from last season: "There are a lot of new faces in the locker room and we know firsthand every year is different. We've been in different positions at certain parts of the year and it's just a matter of putting that together. As it is us using that frustration and channeling that, it's using the new guys as well that have had success and have had experiences in the league."

Watch this:

Here's Reinhart's breakaway goal from last season's home opener to get you excited for training camp:

NJD@BUF: Reinhart buries second goal on breakaway