Panthers Move Reinhart to Center After Slow Start

The Florida Panthers have moved Sam Reinhart back to center as the team searches for more production after injuries to key forwards, with the adjustment taking place during the opening stretch of the 2026-27 NHL season. NHL.com reported the change came while captain Aleksander Barkov was sidelined.

Reinhart entered the season without a point through five games after recording 61 points in 64 games last season, according to Sports Yahoo. The Panthers also lost Brad Marchand to injury, increasing the need for remaining players to contribute.

NHL.com reported Reinhart returned to the middle after spending recent seasons primarily on the wing with Florida. He said the role requires different reads and more involvement with the puck.

"It's really a different look. You see the game in different areas. You pick up the puck with a little bit more speed at times and you get it on your stick a little bit more. 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," said Sam Reinhart.

The Panthers tested a new combination featuring Reinhart, Brady Tkachuk and Brad Marchand in a loss to the Anaheim Ducks, where NHL.com reported the line created strong possession numbers at five-on-five.

"We got almost three moving parts. Brady's new, Sam Reinhart’s in a position that he hasn't played recent, and Brad would tell you that the game was a whole lot different last night than his last four or five months of practice. We think that line will continue to get better.

They didn't give up anything really of note. They were strong defensively, had a few chances, and we've got lots of confidence they'll find more," said Paul Maurice, head coach.

Maurice said the trio had multiple adjustments to make, with Tkachuk joining Florida and Marchand returning after offseason surgery. The coach expects the group to improve as it gains experience together.

Defenseman Seth Jones also opened the season with a heavy workload, averaging 28:26 of ice time per game, according to NHL.com. Teammates credited his performance after he joined Florida before its Stanley Cup-winning run in 2025.

"I feel like he's even faster. He's getting faster every year. He’s playing great. He has been and is still one of the best in the league," said Niko Mikkola.

Reinhart praised Jones' impact on the Panthers defense after Jones recorded 473 career points in 915 NHL games, according to NHL.com.

"It’s kind of what we expect out of him. Ever since he’s come here, he's been an absolute horse back there. He relieves so much pressure on our game," said Sam Reinhart.

Aaron Ekblad temporarily left the Panthers for family reasons and was expected to return after the road trip, NHL.com reported. Dmitry Kulikov filled his defensive role alongside Gustav Forsling.

"He can play both sides and he can play right up the lineup. He’s had so much experience doing it, so there's no drop off in his game. He certainly doesn't approach it any differently. He's got a good veteran pro's mind," said Paul Maurice, head coach.