Sabres send second overall pick Sam Reinhart back to WHL’s Kootenay Ice

The Buffalo Sabres reassigned forward Sam Reinhart to the WHL's Kootenay Ice on Friday.

The six-foot-one 185-pound Reinhart had one assist in nine games this season with Buffalo.

The Sabres selected the 18-year-old native of North Vancouver, B.C., with the second overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Reinhart had 36 goals and 69 assists in 60 games last season with Kootenay.

Sabres general manager Tim Murray called it an emotional day.

"I told Sam, you're my top pick. I was cheering for him. But it's about doing what's best for him and us," he said. "The issue wasn't skating, or hockey sense, for me it was strength."

"This has to be devastating for Sam, but it's what is best for him," said Buffalo coach Ted Nolan. "He's a fine young man. He'll continue to grow, mature.

Reinhart's return to junior is a boost to Hockey Canada and the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championship squad. He had two goals and three assists for Canada at last year's tournament.