Told you we wouldn’t have to wait until the Expansion Draft to learn the identity of the first player in Golden Knights history. The organization announced via press release they have signed 21-year-old Reid Duke to a three year entry level contract.
Duke is a goal scorer racking up 35 goals this season in the WHL to lead the Wheaties. He’s also tallied 32 assists to lead the team as well. Last year he scored 33 goals which was good enough for third on the Wheat Kings behind Nolan Patrick (likely the first pick in this year’s draft) and Jace Hawryluk (drafted #32 by Florida in 2014).
He’s a highly skilled kid, and he always has been. He just has to play the game the right way in order to earn some of those opportunities. -Brad Bombardir, Minnesota Wild Director of Player Development
He’s 6’0″ 190 pounds and has been described as sound in all areas.
Duke is quickly developing into an ‘all-round’, responsible player in all three zones. The forward is responsible in the defensive end while still showing some creativity in the opponent’s end. He continues to show flashes of an elite skill set but hasn’t been able to display them consistently. –EliteProspects.com
Duke spends quite a bit of time in the box. 71 PIM in 54 games this season with the Wheat Kings, with a career high of 91 in 62 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in 2013-14.
“When we project Reid, we think his game will evolve as he becomes a pro. We believe he’s going to be an NHL player.”-Kelly McCrimmon
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 6, 2017
“I think what’s impressive with Reid is a real high skill level and yet a guy that’s able to play a big, strong, heavy game.”-McCrimmon
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 6, 2017
He’ll finish out the season up in Brandon before heading to Vegas to take part in the team’s first Development Camp this Summer.
A joint press phone call with Duke and McPhee is scheduled for this afternoon, we’ll have more after the call. But for now, I’ll leave you with this…
Oh, and this.
Here’s a pretty nice highlight package courtesy of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Michael
This guy is the best player in team history! 🙂
Warren Shapiro
Well the team is taking shape. Before you know it be time for the expansion draft.
I can hear it now “GOLDEN KNIGHTS you are on the clock what is your next pick”.
Or would like to hear “We have a trade the GOLDEN KNIGHTS trade for ……….
Now fans please be patient. it will take time to build this franchise . My team was the New York islanders and you know what happened to that franchise. I wish the team GOOD LUCK.
Phisig150
Playoffs in 5 Cup in 8? I don’t know about the rest of the Knights fans but I can be that patient for sure.
Slack
And to think Ken and Jason are in Boca Raton and missing it. Here’s to Reid Duke, the answer to a future trivia question and hopefully a great career in Las Vegas. Welcome!
Ken Boehlke
I can confirm I am not there. Jason on the other hand…
PhiSig 150
Welcome to (Las) Vegas Reid! I like the cut of this kid’s jib. Goal scorer and a scraper. Penalty minutes stat is definitely encouraging. Hope this doesn’t mean we won’t be signing Homicidal Healey.
Slack
Duke (Reid).
Knight (Golden)
Lord (Stanley).
I see a pattern. On the other hand, if he doesn’t work out, there is an old Las Vegas Wranglers mascot uniform with his name on it, literally.
PhiSig 150
He needs a nickname. Scrappy Duke?
Michael
How about the Duke of Puckingham?
Phisig150
Duke of Deke.
Jason Pothier
I can confirm I am in Boca… in my head. Nah, I’m still back in VGK land.
Eric N.
There’s no more Vegas nickname than “Raoul” Duke. #fearandloathing