Sam Reinhart – The Next Ones: NHL 2014 Draft Prospect Profile

Sam Reinhart THW Close-Up:

Date of birth: 11/6/1995

Place of birth: North Vancouver, BC, CAN

Ht: 6’1″     Wt: 183 lbs

Shoots: Right

Position: C/RW

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014

Twitter:

THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 2

Sam Reinhart
Sam Reinhart will battle Sam Bennett for first forward taken in the draft and for first overall (WHL Images)

Other Rankings:

THW War Room Rankings (April): 2

Future Considerations: 2

Craig Button: 1

CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 3

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The Reinhart hockey pedigree is very impressive. Paul Reinhart had 11 successful NHL season in the 70s and 80s. His oldest son, Max, is playing with the Calgary Flames. The 2nd oldest, Griffin, was a 5th overall pick of the New York Islanders in 2012. And now comes Sam Reinhart, who may just be better than the previous three.

I have been impressed with Reinhart’s game for two seasons now and he really showed what he was capable of during the Top Prospects Game earlier this year.

Reinhart is a game-changer. His hockey IQ is through the roof and can break down the game at an elite level. Being an older player in the WHL has given him three years of playing time with the Kootenay Ice. He’s as close to NHL ready as anyone in the draft and his skills just bolster that.

An elite talent who is battling to be the 1st overall selection, Reinhart has improved each year in the WHL, recording 105 points this season. He’s a premier set-up center who can also play the wing when needed. A great face-off man, Reinhart shows maturity with the puck well beyond his years. He controls the pace of the game and makes it easy to get by defensemen with his quick hands and dynamic skating.

Sam Reinhart has few issues with his game, if any. He will be in the NHL next season, it’s just a matter of which team in the top three will take a stab at him.

Where Will He End Up In June:

He will likely be a top three pick. Truly depends on what teams needs an offensive player and whether they value Reinhart higher than someone like Bennett.

Scout’s Honor:

“Reinhart is a nice blend of poise, maturity and a high hockey IQ. He’s got creative hands, excellent vision and superb instinct in the offensive end. He’s able to slow things down and dissect the play. He battles hard and is a true team leader. (August 2013)”

Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations

“Late birthday forward comes from a family with no shortage of NHL pedigree with his older brothers already property of the Calgary Flames and New York Islanders. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound centre is an excellent two-way forward who has really elevated his offensive game in the early going of the 2013-14 season. Reinhart shows an ability to produce in all situations and his excellent vision and offensive awareness bode well when projecting what type of offensive impact he can have in the NHL. At this point, you’d have to consider Reinhart a slam dunk to make the jump to the NHL next year, the only question remains whether or not he winds up being the #1 pick which appears to be all his right now.”

The Scouting Report

Critics may try to dissect his skating, his physical strength and size, but he is an all-around impact player with vision, excellent playmaking skills, and some grit. Great hockey IQ and diagnoses things so well in the attack zone. Is quietly developing a strong 200 foot game and has a quick stick, good lateral quickness and good diagnostic skills. Good on the wall. A strong set-up man who understands the attack zone but also can score. Goods hands, agility, offensive skills, and exceptional on-ice vision. Not super quick but reads and reacts in all zones. Displays a quick stick, and good on the wall. Not the biggest guy, but unafraid to hold his own against most opponents. He was selected to the roster for the World Junior Under-18 Tournament in April, 2013. Projects as a top six centre-wing.

Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Interview with THW’s Ryan Pike

Interview with Sun Sentinel

International Tournaments:

Reinhart has played for Team Canada on five separate occasions. In 31 international games he has 36 points and has captained Team Canada twice.

ETA:

Immediately

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 1/5   Reward: 5/5

NHL Potential:

1st line center/wing capable of being a high point producer

Strengths:

Shot

Tremendous Hockey sense/Hockey IQ

Slows the play down

Poise

Creative and effective playmaker

Speed, balance, and agility

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

I haven’t noticed any flaws in Reinhart’s game. He’s as close to NHL ready as you can get.

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 10/10    Defensive: 3/10

NHL Player Comparison:

– NHL comparison: John Tavares

Video(s):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXDfiHB56_4

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW

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