The New York Islanders announced that forward Reece Newkirk, their 2019 fifth-round pick (147th overall) has signed his three-year entry level contract.
Newkirk just finished up his fourth season with WHL Portland Winterhawks, which had an abridged and geo-fenced season due to the pandemic. In 24 games this season he had 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists), including a six-game points streak leading into the finale.
Overall, the Moose Jaw native compiled 162 points (69 goals, 93 assists) in 205 career WHL games, plus three assists in 17 career playoff games. He was a teammate for the lone Portland season of Islanders winger Kieffer Bellows, who of course had good things to say about him.