“As a player, there are a lot of boxes you try and tick off. Florida, for me, just happened to be at the top of each category,” said the Florida Panthers’ centre Sam Reinhart, who signed an eight-year contract with the franchise on July 1st, 2024. After moving from the Buffalo Sabres on July 24, 2021, Reinhart has been the best with Florida, with 39 goals, 42 assists, and 81 points in a total of 77 games in the 2024-2025 season. A $69 million contract extension is what keeps him with the Panthers and names him a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defensive forward.

The Canadian professional ice hockey player, Reinhart, began his journey with the Kootenay Ice in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft, where he became a rising star after contributing to the Ed Chynoweth Cup-winning team in the 2010–11 season. Soon,
\he was ranked fourth on NHL Central Scouting’s 2014 midterm rankings and was eventually selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

After becoming the youngest Sabres player to score a hat trick since 1984, he was among the team’s top scorers. Later, Reinhart got traded to the Florida Panthers and ever since his joining, his performance has soared with the Panthers, culminating in a historic moment in 2024 when he scored the Cup-clinching goal, helping Florida win their first-ever Stanley Cup.

Where is Sam Reinhart from, and what is his nationality?

Born on November 6, 1995, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Sam Reinhart is 29 years old. He was born into a family of athletes, with his father, Paul Reinhart, being a former NHL All-Star! Growing up, he developed a natural love for ice hockey from a very young age and spent much of his childhood in West Vancouver.

In his early days, he attended Collingwood School, a well-regarded JK–12 independent school in West Vancouver, and excelled as a multi-sport athlete who played baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and, notably, tennis. In fact, Sam even contributed to Collingwood’s impressive record in provincial championships while contributing to a match-winning shot. Throughout his school and college days, he continued playing tennis to keep his athletic edge sharp.

To say that his entire hockey journey was profoundly shaped by his family, especially his father, would be an understatement. Because Paul served as a powerful role model throughout his hockey journey. Reinhart even wore the same jersey number, 23, in Buffalo that his father wore during his NHL career, symbolising the passing of the torch.

What is Sam Reinhart’s ethnicity?

Belonging to a Caucasian ethnic background, Sam Reinhart comes from the lineage of white North Americans. Both his parents, Paul and Theresa Reinhart, are also Canadian Caucasians. While his father was born in Vancouver in 1960, his mother, Theresa, is also Canadian-born, with her family heritage similarly falling under the Caucasian category. Most likely connected with the Canadian white demographic and Germanic origins, their ethnic background has played a subtle role in the sporting legacy and identity that runs strong in the entire family.

Is Sam Reinhart Christian or Jewish?

While there’s no official information available about Sam Reinhart’s religion, speculation arose after an X post shared by the handle called Jewish Ice Hockey Players’s. The post featured Reinhart, who snuck into the Chabad Kinus, a communal gathering that brings people together in celebration of Jewish traditions. Reinhart was spotted dressing as Rabbi Michael Goldin (aka Dr. Schnitzel) of Chabad of Teaneck, who is well known in Jewish communities for his playful and engaging science shows that combine Torah teachings with hands-on experiments designed especially for children and families. As soon as the post spread over the internet, it sparked curiosity among fans, leading some to wonder if Reinhart might be Jewish. However, there isn’t any confirmation from Reinhart or official sources `about his religion yet. Hence, it can be said that Sam Reinhart’s faith remains unknown.

Ever since donning the Red and Blue jersey, Sam Reinhart has emerged as a central force behind the team’s ascent. And he has highlighted his prowess by creating a franchise record of 57 goals in a single season. This not only gave him a consistent offensive spark but also made him one of the top goal-scorers for the Panthers, whose contributions demonstrate his value as a complete player.

Hence, after his clutch performance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where he scored the decisive Game 7 goal, the Panthers GM, Bill Zito, signalling his rise into elite contender status. “Everyone was all with the intention of trying to take care of Sam and still have a chance to win, and that was paramount to him and his decision-making. Nothing but respect and happiness on that end. We’re just thrilled that he’s a part of it,” Zito said after acquiring him.

Reinhart’s long-term extension with the Panthers not only reflects confidence in his peak performance but also a belief in his ongoing importance  in leading the team with goals and points during the 2024–25 season.