If you drafted Sam Reinhart last year, you were rewarded handsomely. The versatile forward was a fantasy hockey darling, posting an exceptional 39 goals and 42 assists for 81 points in just 79 games. Many fantasy managers are now asking the million-dollar question: Can he do it again? Was that his absolute ceiling?
My answer is a resounding no. In fact, I’m here to tell you that Reinhart is not only going to repeat his success, but he’s going to surpass it. We are projecting a new career-high for the Panthers’ star winger in the 2025-26 season.
The reason for this bullish prediction isn’t just about Reinhart’s individual talent, which is undeniable. It’s about the staggering upgrade to the Florida Panthers’ power play. The addition of elite offensive defenseman Seth Jones to a unit already featuring Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad is nothing short of a league-altering move. This isn’t just a good power play on paper; it’s a potential juggernaut, and Reinhart is positioned to be the primary beneficiary.
Analyzing Reinhart’s Ceiling with a Revamped Panthers Power Play
Let’s break down the dynamics. For years, Reinhart has made his living in the “dirty areas”—the net-front and the bumper spot. He has an elite ability to deflect pucks, pounce on rebounds, and find soft spots in coverage. Now, insert Seth Jones as the power play quarterback. Jones brings a booming shot from the point that goalies must respect, but more importantly, he possesses elite vision and puck-distribution skills.
Defenses will be forced to stretch their penalty-killing box to cover the threat of Jones up high and Tkachuk on the half-wall. This will inevitably create more space and higher-quality chances for Reinhart in his office around the crease. With Barkov’s surgical passing and Ekblad providing a second shot option, this power play is a multi-headed monster. I foresee at least a 5-7 point bump for Reinhart from his power-play production alone, pushing him into a new fantasy tier. He’s the designated finisher on a unit that could easily lead the league in efficiency.
Will Sam Reinhart Hit 90 Points in 2025-26?
So, what do the final numbers look like? After watching his tape from last season and factoring in the improved personnel around him, I’m locking in a projection that should have him flying off draft boards. While some might predict regression, I see a player entering his prime with the best offensive support of his career. He is the perfect trigger-man for this system.
2025-2026 Projection: 44 Goals, 43 Assists, 87 Points
The goal total gets a healthy bump thanks to his role as the primary net-front finisher on that supercharged power play. His even-strength production should remain robust playing alongside Florida’s elite centers. The assists will remain strong as the puck cycles through him in high-danger areas. Drafting Reinhart isn’t a gamble on repeating last year; it’s an investment in his massive, and frankly obvious, potential for growth. Don’t be the manager in your league who lets him slip.
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