When the Ottawa Senators selected Cole Reinhardt with the 181st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the team had hoped they struck with a sixth-round draft pick. Since being drafted in 2020, Reinhardt hasn't had much playing time in the NHL.
From 2020-2022, Reinhardt played in 103 games in the AHL with the Belleville Senators. In the 2021-22 season, Reinhardt played in one regular season game for Ottawa. In the 2022-23 AHL season, Reinhardt improved his game with recording 34 points in 66 games, but the following 2023-24 season would be a drop off for Reinhardt when he recorded 23 points in 56 games.
This season, Reinhardt needed to improve his game to show the Senators can still trust him moving forward. However, it might not be the case for Reinhardt.
Reinhardt and Senators are at a crossroad
In 13 games played in Belleville this season, Reinhardt has recorded 16 points, averaging more than one point per game, but his AHL progress hasn't translated into NHL success this season.
Reinhardt got called up for two NHL games in October and recorded one assist. Then, Reinhardt would return to the NHL for three games in November. When Reinhardt scored his first NHL goal to help the Senators earn a 4-3 win against the Calgary Flames on Nov. 25, it appeared that the 24-year-old would grow his game. However, Reinhardt would then record no points in the next two games he played.
Reinhardt played in Ottawa's three final games of 2024. In the three games, Reinhardt recorded no points. In two of the three games, Reinhardt played under six minutes of ice time.
When playing in the NHL this season, Reinhardt has become unplayable at times. Being unplayable has put head coach Travis Green and the Senators in a tough position of what to do with Reinhardt moving forward.
Reinhardt is also due for a contract as his $775,000 contract runs out at the end of the season. If the Senators still aren't impressed with Reinhardt, his time with the team might not be longer. Two points in eight NHL games this season hasn't impressed Ottawa for Reinhardt to earn more playing time.
On Feb. 1, Reinhardt will turn 25 years old. Reinhardt desperately needs to show the Senators the true potential he has to show he's worthy of keeping. However, Reinhardt playing only in nine NHL games for the Senators since being drafted in 2020 is a sign that it hasn't worked out for either side.