Sam Reinhart future with the Florida Panthers known as midnight deadline passes

For most NHL free agents, the deadline to sign is noon today, however for the Florida Panthers and free agent Sam Reinhart. The deadline to get a deal done was last night at midnight. At that time the Panthers were no longer allowed to offer the forward an 8-year max term contract and instead would have been limited to a 7-year deal like every other team.

Late last night rumors circulated that a deal had appeared to be done between the two parties but nothing was confirmed. This morning multiple insiders have confirmed that a deal was reached and submitted before the midnight deadline.

Reinhart, 28, appeared in 82 games for the Florida Panthers this season, setting new career-highs in goals and points. The West Vancouver native had 94 points (57 goals, 37 assists), 31 penalty minutes and wasa plus-29 in the regular season. He followed that up with 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in the playoffs, helping the Panthers win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

This deal comes in as a significant underpay and appears to highlights the advantage teams like the Florida Panthers have due to their locations and tax advantages.