Reinhart joining Sabres in informal skates despite being unsigned

A common occurrence in hockey circles is for unsigned players to avoid the ice - and potential injury - while awaiting a new contract.

But that's not the case with Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Reinhart. The 22-year-old remains a restricted free agent, but has been skating alongside teammates in the lead up to training camp on Thursday.

That willingness to participate has general manager Jason Botterill feeling optimistic that a deal can soon be reached with Reinhart.

"I'm excited that Sam's in town here working out with our guys, being a part of things," Botterill told Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat. "We continue our dialogue with his agent and (we are) still very hopeful to get a deal done."

Reinhart is coming off of his three-year entry level deal and is likely due for a sizable raise after finishing last season with career highs in both goals (25) and points (50).