The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with Reece Newkirk on a three-year entry-level contract, now that his WHL season has come to an end. Newkirk spent this season with the Portland Winterhawks.
Selected 147th overall in 2019, Newkirk will likely be ticketed for the minor leagues to begin his professional career next season. In 24 games with the Winterhawks this year, the 5’11” forward ended up with 27 points, tied with first-round pick Seth Jarvis for third on the team.
The Islanders needed to sign Newkirk before the end of the month to avoid losing him to unrestricted free agency, but there’s certainly reason to believe he can be a good depth player for the organization. While reaching the NHL is still a lofty goal, he’s been a point-per-game player in the WHL over the last three seasons and will try to take that production to the AHL next year.