Duffer’s Dabbles: Giant Move For Reinhart; Flyers Revamped; Carter Key Player For Penguins

It was a summer of different hockey outcomes in the Reinhart family.

Center Sam Reinhart was traded by the Buffalo Sabres to the Florida Panthers. He agreed to terms on a three-year deal with an AAV of $6.5 million per year to set up shop long-term in the Sunshine State. The second player chosen in the 2014 NHL entry draft, Sam had spent his entire seven-season NHL career in Buffalo.

Brother Griffin Reinhart, a defenseman, was also on the move, albeit in a completely different direction. The fourth player chosen in the 2012 NHL entry draft by the New York Islanders, Griffin signed with the Belfast Giants of the EIHL. Yes, Belfast, as in Northern Ireland.

Unlike his younger brother, Griffin, 27, is a well-traveled pro. He saw duty in 37 NHL games – eight with the Isles and 29 with the Edmonton Oilers. His AHL stops including the Chicago Wolves, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Bakersfield Condors.

SIGNING ANNOUNCMENT 🚨

Teal Army, say hello to @GriffinReinhart 🤝#GiantsReborn pic.twitter.com/22V4mQEwS8

— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) August 30, 2021

Lately, Griffin is into world travel. Before Belfast, he spent the 2020-21 campaign with the Iserlohn Roosters of the German League, where his teammates included Brody Sutter, another member of a famous hockey family. In 2019-20, Reinhart suited up for the Kunlun Red Star, the China-based team in the KHL. There, he skated alongside ex-Detroit Red Wings defensemen Ryan Sproul and Jake Chelios.

Griffin Reinhart is the earliest NHL draft pick to play in the EIHL.

New Look Flyers Preparing For New Season

Philadelphia: A year removed from the postseason, following their failure to make the 2021 playoffs the Flyers are a completely revamped hockey club.

San Jose: Due to a medical exemption that prevents him from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, assistant coach Rocky Thompson won’t be returning to the Shaks staff.

Pittsburgh: Jeff Carter might be the key to how the season plays out for the Penguins.

Florida: Assessing the Panthers as training camp draws near.

San Jose: A look at the analytics shows why the Sharks traded for goalie Adin Hill.