Paul Reinhart

Lore & Background

Reinhart began his junior career with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League in 1975–76. After a dispute over his draft rights—he and his family stated he would refuse to play for any team other than Kitchener—the Peterborough Petes traded him to the Rangers in a three-team deal. He scored 129 points in 66 games in 1978–79 after moving to centre for most of the season, finishing fifth in league scoring. Selected 12th overall by Atlanta in the 1979 NHL entry draft, he joined the Flames immediately and led all rookie defencemen in scoring with 47 points. He relocated with the franchise to Calgary in 1980 and set a Flames franchise record for points by a defenceman with 250. In 1983–84, a herniated disc suffered when his skate caught a rut behind the net caused him to miss 51 games. He returned to score a goal and an assist in a 4–1 win over Hartford. Despite recurring back spasms, he was named an All-Star in 1985 and 1989. Traded to Vancouver in 1988, he led the Canucks in defence scoring and won the Babe Pratt Trophy in both of his full seasons there. He retired at age 30 due to chronic back pain.

Reader's Guide

Paul Reinhart is remembered as one of the most underrated defencemen of the 1980s, a player whose offensive instincts and versatility allowed him to play both defence and centre effectively. His 75-point season in 1982–83 set a franchise record for a Calgary Flames defenceman, and he was a key contributor to the team's run to the 1986 Stanley Cup Final. Chronic back problems, beginning with a herniated disc in 1983–84, limited his availability in several seasons and ultimately ended his career at age 30. After retiring, he settled in West Vancouver and became a stock market financier and investor, focusing on resource exploration and medical companies. He was briefly involved with the Vancouver Ravens of the National Lacrosse League, walking away in 2003 after claiming losses exceeding $1 million. His three sons—Max, Griffin, and Sam—all played in the NHL, with Griffin and Sam being first-round draft picks. Reinhart's career illustrates both the high ceiling of an elite offensive defenceman and the fragility of a body unable to withstand the physical demands of the game.

Did You Know?

• Reinhart was the youngest player to appear for the Atlanta Flames at the time of his debut.
• He scored a hat trick while playing centre in a 6–5 win over the Edmonton Oilers on November 24, 1986.
• He was named Team Canada's top defenceman at the 1983 World Championships.
• His son Sam was selected 2nd overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres.