FORT LAUDERDALE - Cole Reinhardt scored two goals and led all players with seven hits over 12:02 of ice time Sunday as the Florida Panthers opened their preseason with a 6-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at Amerant Bank Arena, putting himself squarely in the conversation for one of the team’s limited roster openings.
The 26-year-old, claimed off waivers in March after posting seven points — three goals and four assists — in 44 games with the Vegas Golden Knights, wasted no time making an impression in his first preseason action with Florida. Head coach Paul Maurice liked what he saw.
“I’m happy for him,” Maurice said. “I think his game has grown. He can shoot the puck, and he showed that last year. He played a really, really smart game today.”
Reinhardt, who goes by “Cowboy” in Florida’s locker room, is only 77 games into his NHL career but finished the 2025-26 regular season on a tear, scoring six goals in 15 games with the Panthers and lighting the lamp in four straight games to close out the year. As a Panther, he has averaged 13.66 hits per 60 minutes — a figure that led the team among players with at least 15 games played last season.
Brady Tkachuk, who shared a locker room with Reinhardt during their time together with the Ottawa Senators, pointed to versatility as Reinhardt’s defining quality. “I think he’s a great player,” Tkachuk said. “I think he shows the different skill set that he could play with. Obviously he scored an amazing goal [against the Hurricanes on Sunday]. Great shot, and then he’s net front with a great tip, and he’s physical as well. I think he’s versatile in that way where he can play any style and be really effective.”
Reinhardt’s scoring streak ended Tuesday in a 3-2 preseason loss to the Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, but he still contributed over 13:41 of ice time, recording one hit and two blocked shots. He also logged 1:08 of shorthanded ice time as the Panthers went a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
“Just trying to earn my minutes, earn my right to be here and prove my right to be here,” Reinhardt said. “It makes a big difference knowing everyone coming in. You’re not shaking 100 hands. It makes a big difference knowing the coaches, knowing the system.”
Because he has played fewer than 100 career NHL games, Reinhardt is not subject to the two-game preseason maximum that applies to veteran players, leaving open the possibility of additional action to build his case. The Panthers travel to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
“For me, it’s trying to make the most of the opportunity,” Reinhardt said.