WATCH: Panthers' Sam Reinhart finds unconventional use for Stanley Cup while playing golf

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jul 31, 2024 15:33 GMT

The Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in their 30th NHL season and their forward, Sam Reinhart, was a key player. He set career highs with 57 goals and 94 points during the 2023-24 season.

Reinhart had a clear plan for his day with the Stanley Cup. He wanted a two-part celebration. First, he visited the rink where he learned to skate. Then, he planned a golf outing.

On Sunday, Reinhart started his day with the Stanley Cup in West Vancouver. He brought the Cup to Hollyburn Country Club to share his joy with old coaches and families. He took pictures and signed autographs for young players.

Next, Reinhart went to Capilano Golf and Country Club with his family. He used the Stanley Cup as a ball marker on the greens. His family used a miniature Cup for their balls.

“The turnout speaks for itself and it's pretty cool,” Reinhart said. “It's something that I'm going to remember every time I come up here for the rest of my life.”

This was a big flex from Reinhart. He lifted the cup with both hands and put it gently on the grass, before picking up the golf ball. After golf, Reinhart took more photos with the Cup.

Sam Reinhart is the first Stanley Cup winner among Hollyburn alumni. His brother Griffin, who played 37 NHL games, also attended. Many kids were there for photos with Reinhart and the Cup.

Sam Reinhart also inked an eight-year contract with the Panthers

Sam Reinhart signed an eight-year contract with the Florida Panthers on July 1. The contract was worth a whopping $69 million with an AAV of $8.625 million. Reinhart, who is 28, was finishing a three-year deal with Florida and could have become a free agent.

Panthers GM Bill Zito was pleased with the agreement.

“It’s awesome. As both Sam and I said all during the year, we wanted to keep him, he wanted to stay," Zito said, via NHL.com. "We worked through the process. His agent was a gentleman.

"Everyone was all with the intention of trying to take care of Sam and still have a chance to win, and that was paramount to him in his decision-making... We’re just thrilled, thrilled that he’s a part of it.”

Reinhart had a great season, scoring 57 goals, the second-most in the NHL, and leading with 27 power-play goals. He also had 16 points in 24 playoff games, including the Cup-winning goal.

Sam Reinhart, chosen second overall in the 2014 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, has 538 points in 696 regular-season games and 33 points in 55 playoff games.