Position: Defense
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205
Birthdate: August 29, 1984 (27 years old)
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Acquired: Trade with Columbus Blue Jackets (3/1/10)
2010-2011 Teams: Bridgeport Sound Tigers/New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 37 GP - 4 G - 14 A - 18 P - 30 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (NYI): 27 GP - 0 G - 6 A - 6 P - 15 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 4 Defenseman
Last year: Reese played his first full year in the Islanders organization last year for both the AHL Sound Tigers and NHL Islanders. He started the year in Bridgeport, but was called up fairly quickly after the Isles were decimated by injuries. After a solid debut in 2009-10, Reese regressed a bit as he struggled at the NHL level. He was playing in a position that was above his means, which led to sloppiness and mistakes. For Bridgeport, he was better, putting up a very respectable 18 points in 37 games. There is no question that he is a valued asset organizationally. However, he showed last year that he is not what the Isles should be looking for long-term.
Expectations: In a bit of a surprise, the Islanders qualified Reese over Jack Hillen, because they knew Hillen could not be used in an AHL role. Reese will be expected to come back as the 9th-10th defenseman on the depth chart, while providing veteran leadership and solid play in the AHL. While he may see some NHL time if the Islanders are decimated by injuries, Reese's main role will be as a veteran minor leaguer. Every team needs those - in fact, that's a main thing the Isles were missing last year. So while from an Islanders standpoint, he's neither in the long term plans nor expected to contribute, he is a nice asset to have to provide strength to a Bridgeport team that needs it in the worst way.
Projections: (AHL) GP 64 - 9 G - 20 A - 29 P
Thoughts:
CH: There is little question that Reese struggled at the NHL level last year. But we need to look at the big picture to understand the true value of a guy like Reese. He was not kept to play at the NHL level - he may not have even been kept for depth purposes. With guys like Mark Katic and Calvin de Haan waiting in the wings, along with guys like Ty Wishart right there, he may not even get a chance this year. If he does, it means the Isles have been hurt by injuries again. But the fact is that Reese is a solid AHL defenseman at worst, and could easily be considered a very good one. So his presence at the AHL level should only help. Depth is a great thing to have and was something the AHL team was really missing last year. And it's something that Reese can help provide for 2011-12.
AT: At this point Reese is not considered anything more than depth, but with the defensive injuries to Eaton, MacDonald, Streit and Jurcina last year, there's nothing wrong with that. With Calvin De Haan, Matt Donovan and Aaron Ness most likely playing full seasons with Bridgeport this year, it's uncertain where he will find himself on Bridgeport's depth chart, but considering the fact that he's a seasoned veteran who has been called up before, he would be above CDH, Donovan and Ness on the call up chart if need be. All Reese needs to do is continue to provide a veteran presence on the team and contribute offensively here and there and he will fill his role exceptionally.
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