Undrafted 2nd year right wing Reid Gardiner(24) leaves two seasons under contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to sign with Utica Comets for 2018/2019.
He originally signed his first deal in 2016/2017 but was sent back for a 5th season in the WHL after the beginning of the year and exploded on the stat sheet for new club Kelowna Rockets.
The 5’11” 193 lbs. forward would achieve the same marks as a rookie on reassignment to affiliate Wheeling Nailers.
In 58 ECHL games he scored 30 goals and 27 assists with a +15 rating on a non-playoff team.
He has been sent to Kalamazoo Wings to start his sophomore campaign but expect him to score a quick recall if he can get hot early.
There’s seems to be little doubt the 22-year old would do better taking his game overseas but may want a couple years of experience closer to home before moving on.