2014 NHL Draft Watch: Sam Reinhart
By Robert Nasso
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
In anticipation of the Sharks’ 2014 NHL Draft selection, we will be highlighting the top 30 prospects over the next few weeks.
Name: Sam Reinhart
Position: Center
Handedness: Right
Current Team: Kootenay Ice (WHL)
Jersey Number: 23
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 183 lbs.
Birthdate: 11/6/1995
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Son of retired NHL defenseman Paul and brother of NHL prospects Griffin (NYI) and Max (CGY), Sam Reinhart comes from a family rooted in hockey-related success – and he may just be the best out of the four.
Reinhart has been described as an exceptional two-way forward, playing just as good on the defensive end as the offensive one. The British Columbia native has taken on the responsibility of captain in Kootenay for the first time this season. NHL Central Scouting’s Peter Sullivan had this to say about the forward:
"He has a complete game at both ends of the ice. He does everything well. He won’t get you overly excited, but from a coaching perspective he’s the guy you always want on the ice in critical situations. He’s your go-to guy and team leader and is just going to be consistent at the junior level and, eventually, the pro level."
After Reinhart and the Ice were eliminated from the 2013 WHL playoffs, he was named Team Canada captain for the 2013 IIHF World Under-18 Championship where he scored three goals and four assists for a total of seven points throughout the tourney.
So far in the 2013-2014 season, Reinhart has 16 goals and 30 points for a total of 46 points through 29 games. He is also a plus-4. He had this to say about the possibility of being selected first overall:
"That would be a great honor, but it’s a long way to go and a lot of hockey to be played. I’m going to take it one step at a time."
Only time will tell if Sam can break the Reinhart family record by going first in the draft.