The Florida Panthers claimed left wing Cole Reinhardt off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.
Reinhardt was placed on waivers Thursday along with winger Alexander Holtz.
Holtz went unclaimed and will report to Henderson of the American Hockey League.
Reinhardt appeared in a career-high 44 games with the Knights after signing a two-year deal on July 1. He was a training camp standout because of his forechecking and physical play on the fourth line.
The 26-year-old tallied seven points and was a minus-6 while averaging 9:47 of ice time with the Knights.
The Knights had to make room on the roster after acquiring fourth-line forwards Cole Smith and Nic Dowd prior to Friday’s trade deadline.
“That was a bit of a product of adding players,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We put in time with (Reinhardt). He was progressing. To be a role player … it’s hard for a young guy because they want to do special things and move up in the lineup. For guys down the lineup, it’s the same consistency you need every night.
“I thought he was progressing well. It’s just that’s what we had to do. I wish him all the best in Florida. I hope he gets an opportunity.”
Holtz had a tough time carving out a consistent role in the lineup. The 24-year-old has registered just 21 points in 81 games since he was traded to the Knights in June 2024 from the New Jersey Devils.
Holtz signed a two-year, $1.675 million contract in October.
Roster limits are no longer in effect, so the Knights can call Holtz back up at any time so long as they’re cap compliant.
Reinhardt joins center Cole Schwindt as the second Knights player to be claimed off waivers by the Panthers this season.
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
