Report: Panthers, Reinhart have 'strong mutual desire' on extension

Sam Reinhart and the Florida Panthers have immediate business to take care of against the Edmonton Oilers, but the two sides continue to have a "strong mutual desire" to get an extension done after the Stanley Cup Final, reports The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Reinhart is considered the top unrestricted free agent to potentially hit the open market on July 1. He's coming off his best season, racking up a career-high 57 goals and 94 points, buoyed by an NHL-best 24.5 shooting percentage. Reinhart also has eight goals and four assists in 17 playoff games.

The 28-year-old posted his previous career high of 33 goals in 2021-22. Reinhart averaged 76 points per 82 games in his first two seasons with Florida, recording a 15.5 shooting percentage.

Evolving-Hockey projects Reinhart to sign an eight-year deal with a $11.13-million cap hit if he stays with Florida. That would make him the Panthers' highest-paid player over captain Aleksander Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who each make $10 million annually.

The Panthers have several other notable pending UFAs, including Brandon Montour and Vladimir Tarasenko.

Reinhart said in April that he was "not losing sleep" over his looming contract status.

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