New York Islanders‘ 1st round pick in the 2012 draft (#4 overall) rookie defenseman Griffin Reinhart(8) was likely chosen after his stock had risen by winning the WHL Championship with Edmonton Oil Kings.
He put up some impressive numbers in the postseason through 20 games, 2 goals and 6 assists with a +14 rating.
The quite sizable 6’4″ 217 lbs. d-man is highly regarded to blossom on the blue line.
He managed to impress enough at training camp in his first try to land a spot on the 2014/2015 opening night roster and stick around for three games, all wins, but management decided to move forward with some older prospects in the system rewarding them with the playing time but also the first year skater is a no risk to reassign.
The 20-year old would continue his development with minor league affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
He lands into a pretty similar playing situation, as the farm club is also a young, hungry to win team.
He seems to have acquainted himself nicely with 2 goals and 6 assists in 15 AHL games but will definitely need to work on that -8 plus/minus.
It’s pretty likely this will be the former Memorial Cup and 2 time junior hockey championship winner’s only season in the lower league but he’s signed through 2017 so there is time.
Original story: 11/26-14
After 59 AHL games scoring 7 goals, 15 assists, 8 NHL games with one assist and 1 Stanley Cup Playoff contest with a -2 plus/minus, he becomes a draft day casualty being traded to Edmonton Oilers to move up in the selection process.
The now still super-young 21-year old is expected to grab a spot on the big club’s roster for his sophomore season.
