The Buffalo Sabres have sent second-overall pick Sam Reinhart back to his junior club.
Reinhart was reassigned to the Kootenay Ice of the WHL, the Sabres announced Friday.
The 18-year-old forward registered one assist, three shots and two penalty minutes in nine games.
General manager Tim Murray explained his decision.
#Sabres GM Tim Murray on Reinhart: He'll have to get stronger. The issue wasn't skating, or hockey sense, for me it was strength.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 31, 2014
Playing in a 10th game would have triggered Reinhart's rookie contract.