Reinhart left after playing just 11:43 TOI in Wednesday’s loss in Colorado. Head coach Dan Bylsma did not have an update on Reinhart’s status after the game, so there is no word on the nature or severity of his injury.
It looked as if Brian Gionta was going to return to the lineup on Monday which would have forced Reinhart out, but GIonta will sit for the third consecutive game, which means Reinhart should stay in the lineup.
Reinhart registered one assist and two shots on goal while averaging just 10:58 TOI in the first two games of the regular season, but with Brian Gionta on pace to return to the lineup tomorrow, it looks like Reinhart may sit. He skated as the extra forward, working in and out on lines during Sunday’s practice which suggests that he will be out vs. Columbus.
Reinhart, 18, was the second overall pick in this summer's draft. He had one assist in nine games with the Sabres and with Buffalo going no where this year, it is probably best for Reinhart's development to go back to juniors. Reinhart had 36 goals and 69 assists (105 points) in 60 games with Kootenay last season.
After Thursday's game vs. the Bruins, the Sabres will need to make the decision on whether or not to keep Reinhart with the team and burn the first year of his entry level contract or send him back to juniors. For Reinhart's development sake it is probably best for him to go back to juniors and with the Sabres playing as poorly as they are, that seems like a no brainer.
After getting back into the lineup last night, Reinhart will be back in the pressbox tonight for the second time in three games. However, Reinhart will be back in the lineup on Saturday against the Sharks. With Reinhart coming out of the lineup, the Sabres will put Nikita Zadorov in the lineup and go with seven defensemen.
Brian Flynn stayed on for extra work at the Sabres morning skate which means that Reinhart will get back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Saturday. He will centre the fourth line which means he will probably see less than 10 minutes of ice-time for the third straight game.
Reinhart was a healthy scratch on Saturday, but is still eligible to play in four more games before the first-year of his entry level contract is burned. He has no points and a minus-1 rating in five games and is not going to produce as long as the Sabres have him playing on the fourth line. It looks inevitable that he will be sent back to juniors.
Reinhart was moved to the fourth line for the last couple games and is now a healthy scratch which pretty much confirms that he will be going back to juniors soon. Brian Flynn will draw into the lineup.
Reinhart has no points, two shots and a minus-1 rating while averaging 12:47 TOI in his first three NHL games. The Sabres can keep him up for nine-games without burning a year of his entry level contract, so going to the fourth line seems like he is destined to be returned to juniors after the nine-game stint.
Reinhart, 18, was the second overall pick in this summer's draft. He will start his NHL career on the Sabres' second line with Cody Hodgson and Brian Gionta. "They're obviously very smart players and good players," Reinhart said of his linemates. "I feel if I move the puck to them and get myself open, we're going to create a lot of chances. I feel comfortable on that line."
