Panthers Acquire Rights to Reinprecht; Sign Him to Three-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

SUNRISE, FL – Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager Randy Sexton announced today that the club has acquired the exclusive negotiating rights for the Phoenix Coyotes C Steve Reinprecht (REIGN-prehkt) in exchange for Florida Panthers prospect C Stefan Meyer. In addition, the club announced they have agreed to terms with Reinprecht on a three-year contract.

“Steve is a smart, high character, hard working player who fits our club’s need for a second line center,” said Sexton. “We are constantly looking to upgrade our team speed and he brings this to our club as part of his skill set. He also possesses an ability to win face-offs, another area our team looked to improve on this off-season. Steve served as an assistant Captain in Phoenix and played an important role with Colorado winning the 2001 Stanley Cup. We look forward to the championship attitude and experience he will add to our team.”

Reinprecht, 33, has recorded at least 40 points in five of his eight NHL playing seasons, including a pair of 50-plus point seasons (2002-03/2005-06) and a Stanley Cup championship with Colorado in 2001. He recorded a career high 52 points (22-30-52) during the 2005-06 season, while playing for both Calgary and Phoenix.

The Edmonton, Alberta native has played in 552 NHL games for Los Angeles (1999-2001), Colorado (2001-03), Calgary (2003-04/2005-06) and Phoenix (2006-09) scoring 120 goals with 214 assists and 162 PIM. He has appeared in 50 postseason games, all with Colorado (2000-03), recording 20 points (10-10-20).

Reinprecht played four years at the University of Wisconsin (1996-2000). He lead the Badgers and the nation in Division 1 scoring with 66 points (20-44-66) in his senior season, earning WCHA player of the year honors, while also being nominated as a Hobey Baker Finalist.

[R.Middleton]

Coyotes just didn't have the money to give Reinphrect what he wanted. The coyotes now only have two veteran forwards now.

[Gunslinger]

The 'Yotes lack of talent(and it could get worse) will really have the buyers lined up. Thanks Gary. So who's gonna leave next?

[jkidd]

Wow... Is the average age of the Yotes even above the drinking age?

Not a great way to get people to the arena, having a roster with almost no veterans, and a ton of youngsters. Usually is a recipe for a "rebuilding" season. Which, fans' really don't care for.

[dumby]

Good move by the yotes, he never produced, and is an absolute muffin out there. Rather see someone willing to work hard get some ice.

[NYR36]

agree, good move for Phoenix.

[bengino]

whether or not he's a very productive guy, he can help out with the young kids in a small capacity (3rd or 4th liner depending on $$). Having Wayne trying to direct these kids while feeling the heat from not getting a winner on the ice cannot end well. The NHL should just take them out of their misery into a more friendly market, even if that is not Hamilton. It doesn't need to be beaten to death, hockey in the desert simply won't work, sports reporters in Canada have asked people in Phoenix questions about the team and 3 out of 4 could not tell you the first thing.

Losing Reinprecht may seem like a good idea, but at the end of the day, it just seems like another season of throwing the kids into the fire and having no real motivator or teachers through the growing pains.