Today is the 6th of March, 2026, and the Florida Panthers have made a notable move by claiming forward Cole Reinhardt off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights. Reinhardt, a 26-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, has an interesting journey in the world of professional hockey that fans are eager to follow.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 207 pounds, Reinhardt has been a dynamic player on the ice. During the 2025-26 season, he played 44 games for the Golden Knights, contributing seven points with three goals and four assists. His physical style is evident, as he ranked third among Golden Knights players with an impressive 11.70 hits per 60 minutes. With a total of 62 NHL games under his belt, Reinhardt has accumulated nine points (4 goals, 5 assists) while showcasing his skills across various leagues.
A Promising Start in the NHL
Cole Reinhardt was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, picked 181st overall. Before making his professional debut with the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, Reinhardt spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings. There, he made a name for himself by scoring 75 goals and totaling 141 points in 252 games. His leadership skills shone through when he served as the Alternate Captain in his final junior season.
Reinhardt’s entry into professional hockey began in 2020 when he signed an amateur tryout contract with Belleville. He officially signed a three-year entry-level contract with Ottawa in April 2021, kicking off his NHL adventure. Over the next seasons, he experienced the ups and downs typical of a young player, including his NHL debut on April 7, 2022, against the Nashville Predators, and later achieving his first NHL goal against the Calgary Flames on November 25, 2024.
From Ottawa to Vegas and Now Florida
After a series of call-ups and demotions between Ottawa and Belleville, Reinhardt signed a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights as a free agent on July 1, 2025. He enjoyed a promising start, scoring his first goal for the Golden Knights shortly after his debut. However, his journey took another turn when he was placed on waivers in October 2024, leading to his eventual claim by the Panthers.
Reinhardt’s time with the Golden Knights culminated in the 2025-26 season, where he demonstrated his potential and resilience. With the Panthers now, he has a fresh opportunity to further develop his skills and make a significant impact on the ice. Fans are excited to see how he will fit into the Panthers’ lineup and contribute to the team’s success.
For more detailed insights into Reinhardt’s career and stats, you can check out the full story on the NHL website here or learn more about his background on his Wikipedia page here.
This latest addition to the roster is a testament to the Panthers’ commitment to building a competitive team, and fans are eager to see how Cole Reinhardt will enhance their chances this season.