'It's Really A Different Look,' Panthers' Sam Reinhart Discusses Moving To Center In Aleksander Barkov's Absence

No one likes injuries. They are an unfortunate part of sports that fans wish didn't exist.

But if there is one thing about injuries, it is that they create opportunities for others. Sometimes those opportunities are a shot at playing in the NHL, like Sandis Vilmanis last year.

For others, it's a chance to move up in the lineup or, in some cases, switch positions. That will be the case for Sam Reinhart while Aleksander Barkov is sidelined with an injury.

Reinhart centered a line with Brady Tkachuk and Brad Marchand yesterday, finishing the game with three shots on goal in 22:19. Reinhart currently averages the second-highest time on ice among all Florida Panthers players, trailing only Seth Jones. 

Although Reinhart failed to get on the scoresheet in his return to center ice, he was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres as a center but has played limited minutes in that role since then. At 5-on-5, Reinhart posted an expected goals percentage of 63.3 percent and a Corsi For percentage of 63.64, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

“It's really a different look. You see the game in different areas," said Reinhart. "It’s a position that I've switched a lot back and forth with, and the more time you’re able to play there, the more comfortable you are.”

The 30-year-old has been the poorest in the faceoff dot since joining the NHL, and that has continued into 2026-27. In his career, Reinhart has a 43 percent faceoff win percentage, and this year it sits at 31.6 percent. 

Despite the shortcomings in the circle, Reinhart brings other strengths to the center-ice position. He's stout defensively, and while few players all time can rival Barkov's defensive impact from the middle of the ice, Reinhart is a worthy replacement. 

Offensively, Reinhart is a strong playmaker who can excel at distributing the puck to his wingers. 

Coach Paul Maurice has emphasized patience with his approach to Reinhart's role at center, and with Barkov out long-term, Reinhart should have ample time to reacquaint himself with the position. 

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