2019 NHL Draft: New York Islanders select Reece Newkirk, Portland center at 147

In the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders selected center Reece Newkirk out of Portland of the WHL.

Newkirk is listed at 5’11, 172-lbs. The left-shooting center had 23 goals, 36 assists and 88 PIM in 68 games during his second season with Portland in 2018-19.

He was ranked 110th for this draft class by Future Considerations, 170th by McKeen’s Hockey, and 81st among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

He was a late riser over the course of the season, moving from unraknked to among the discussion here for the 2019 draft. The Portland Winterhawks describe him like so:

Newkirk is an all-situations player who has a knack for getting to the net. Just as important is his willingness to battle on the forecheck and retrieve pucks. He plays with an edge and he was handsomely rewarded for his efforts on both ends of the ice.

This selection of a center follows Friday night’s selection of Swedish winger Simon Holmstrom at 23, and Saturday’s second-round pick at #57, big QMJHL defenseman Samuel Bolduc.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more information.

Here are the Islanders’ remaining picks, barring trades:

• 6th round: (178th)
• 7th round: (209th)