Panthers forward Sam Reinhart speaks to the media following Florida's 8-4 win in Colorado on Jan. 6. There wasn’t much drama when the NHL released its initial choices for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, at least regarding the selection from the Florida Panthers. Several players are having strong seasons, but one has stood out above the rest. Sam Reinhart, the 28-year-old former second overall pick, is finally heading to his first All-Star Game. Entering play on Sunday, Reinhart's 28 goals are tied for second-most in the NHL, and his 50 points lead all Florida Panthers players. “It's pretty exciting,” Reinhart said earlier this week. “It's something growing up that that I knew my dad had been to, and it was it was always kind of a dream. I’m pretty honored and pretty excited to have that experience now.” Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] His father, Paul Reinhart, was a two-time All-Star while playing defense for the Calgary Flames in 1985 and for the Vancouver Canucks in 1989. Considering Sam Reinhart wasn’t born until 1995, the topic of his father’s All-Star experience hasn’t been discussed a whole lot. Until now, that is. “I think it's more coming up now,” Reinhart said. “I'm sure it's changed over the years, but I'm expecting a busy couple of days and just trying to soak it all in.” While the news wasn’t officially revealed until Thursday night, Reinhart has actually known for a couple weeks. It allowed him to celebrate with friends and family during the holidays and soak it in before the news became public knowledge. “It was around Christmas break, (Panthers General Manager) Billy (Zito) phoned,” Reinhart said. “I was with my wife, so we were pretty excited, and obviously got to share that moment calling some family. It was awesome. They were all happy for me, and they’re all going to try and make the trip, so hopefully we make it a good weekend.” Reinhart is one of 44 NHL players that will be selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game. The final 12 players will be voted in by fans, and the All-Star vote is officially open [https://allstarfanvote.nhl.com/?role=skater&filter_by=all]. There are a few of Reinhart’s teammates, such as Sasha Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sergei Bobrovsky and Carter Verhaeghe, who are worthy of All-Star votes considering how each has been playing of late. For now, the extremely tight Panthers group has been celebrating the accomplishment of their brother. “It's been awesome, everyone's so supportive,” Reinhart said of his teammates. “Everyone's happy for me. They're all a big reason why I'm having success early in the season and have this experience to go to Toronto. We've got a great group.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA THN Archive: Panthers early franchise success easy as 1-2-3 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/features/thn-archive-panthers-early-franchise-success-easy-as-1-2-3] Three takeaways: Sam Reinhart, Sasha Barkov continue making things happen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/features/three-takeaways-sam-reinhart-sasha-barkov-continue-making-things-happen] Panthers outduel Colorado 8-4, extend winning streak to seven games [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-outduel-colorado-8-4-extend-winning-streak-to-seven-games] Panthers recall Mackie Samoskevich, place Nick Cousins on Injured Reserve [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-recall-mackie-samoskevich-place-nick-cousins-on-injured-reserve] Streaking Panthers arrive in Colorado riding high, but with injury questions [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/streaking-panthers-arrive-in-colorado-riding-high-but-with-injury-questions] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
