Griffin Reinhart

June 2018 – Reinhart was claimed from the Edmonton Oilers by Vegas in their expansion draft, and suited up for 60 games for their minor league affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, while recording 12 points. Twenty years ago, Reinhart would probably be a bottom-pairing NHL regular, but with the transition to a more speed focused style, Reinhart’s strengths are not easily adaptable to the new approach and his technique may keep him outside of the NHL for the remainder of his career. Vegas has some high-end talent on their back end coming up the pipeline which may make the ultimate NHL journey all the more difficult for Reinhart. He must increase his foot speed if there is any hope, which is not an easy thing to do for a man his size, but at only 24 years old there is still some hope. Mason Black

June 2017 – The Vegas Golden Knights have selected Griffin Reinhart in the Expansion Draft. Paul Zwambag

October 2016 – After another pro season for Griffin that saw him split duties with the Edmonton Oilers and the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, many unresolved issues with his game remain. While not overly physical, he has the abilities to mould into a defensively sound two-way defender. unfortunately, he still lacks consistency and can be beat wide at times due to his lack of foot speed. He has shown some signs of being an NHL defender in the near future late last season, and still has the potential to be a late bloomer so the Oilers should be patient. While I am still optimistic that Reinhart (whose contract expires at the end of the 2016-17 NHL season) has the abilities to do so, he will need to prove that he has improved in order to guarantee another NHL contract with the Oilers. Brayden Sully

September 2015 – All reports indicate Reinhart is leaner and meaner this year. It comes as no surprise to close followers. The former fourth overall draft pick spent last season (the third of his professional career) in the AHL with Bridgeport with occasional call-ups to the Islanders, even making an appearance in one playoff game. It often takes defensemen a lot longer to develop to the speed and aggresiveness of NHL hockey and Reinhart has been no exception. He carries the weight of being a top five draft selection but his path to the NHL remains a slow and steady transition. It is entirely possible he makes the team out of camp but that would require an epic showing and a weak camp from more seasoned veterans (Ference, Gryba).  If the Oilers are careful and let him earn his ice time, he should be a mainstay on the blueline for years to come. Tyler Thomson

June 2015 – The hard nosed Reinhart has been dealt to the Oilers in exchange for draft picks. The deal was a bold one and Reinhart is a welcome addition to the Oilers revamped blueline. Expect Reinhart to give Darnell Nurse a run for his money making the team out of training camp. While fantasy wise he is more of a peripheral category player, he is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues now that the Oilers should be scoring in bunches with the addition of Connor McDavid. Tyler Thomson

March 2015 – Reinhart’s first AHL season has gone well for him on a poor Sound Tigers team that has lost a majority of their talent to the NHL. He has six goals, 21 points, and has even seen eight games in the NHL where he did not look that out of place. He has shown a good two way ability, leadership, and has put up a modest penalty minute total. There is room for his next year on the NHL roster as only four sports are locked up for the future. He should only improve as he continues to develop, but he will likely be a better hockey player than fantasy player. Pat Quinn

October 2014 – After playing all three of the Islanders season-opening wins, New York assigned Griffin Reinhart to Bridgeport for more seasoning to make room for Calvin deHaan, who is slated to come off of the IR. In a depth role, Reinhart was solid  showing strong decision making and sound positioning but there were some moments where the young defender looked overmatched. Consider this demotion one for the purpose of refining the small points of his game as he owns a very bright future on the Islanders blueline. Brendan Ross

October 2014 – Reinhart has made the Isles opening night roster and will start his season an official NHL’er. Brad Wilson

June 2014 – Reinhart finished off 2013-14 with 21 points and a plus-20. Although taking a slight step back on the score-sheet, the hulking defender pushed his team to a WHL Championship and eventually lead them past the Guelph Storm in the Memorial Cup Final to become CHL Champions. Look for Reinhart to make the jump to the NHL for the start of the coming season. He nearly cracked the team last year and after a great playoff run with the Oil Kings where he posted 13 points in 21 games with a plus-11 and then notched three assists in five Mem Cup games, he will be a welcomed addition to the Isles back-end. Brad Wilson

January 2014 – After serving a suspension he received at last years tournament, Reinhart dressed in four games for the Canadian junior squad. He was a notable addition making his presence felt, although it was not enough for Canada who failed to medal for the second consecutive year. Reinhart totaled two points for the red and white. – Brad Wilson

December 2013 – Reinhart will join Canada once again for the WJC at the end of the month. He has a suspension to finish up from last year and will miss two of the preliminary games. Watch for him to be a major minute muncher for Canada as he takes on a leadership role. Brad Wilson

October 2013 – Reinhart made the Islanders 23-man roster to start the year but the young defenseman didn’t make it into a regular season game before being sent back to his junior team in Edmonton. Having missed the Oil Kings first nine games, the captain wasted no time diving in to help his team, posting one-goal and four-assists in the seven games since his return. Edmonton will be in a battle in the WHL’ s Central Division and will lean on Reinhart accordingly. The Isles prospect should take another step toward greatness this season.- Brad Wilson

October 2013 – Reinhart has been named to the Islanders 23-man roster to start the regular season. It is unknown how long the Islanders will carry eight defensemen but Reinhart will likely battle with Matt Donovan for the offensive role the Islanders are missing in the absence of Mark Streit. After finding out he had made it past the final cut, Reinhart tweeted, “…Still lots of work and lots to prove to stick the whole year.” Brad Wilson

September 2013 – Reinhart’s stock seemed to take a step back after not quite living up to expectations last season. With Streit departing the Islanders organization there is definitely a spot open for a skilled puck-mover, especially one with Reinhart’s size. He has been turning heads in the Islanders rookie camp, showing off his leadership as well as improved skating. He will get his shot to make the big club in camp but competition will be tough for the former 4th overall selection. – Brad Wilson

February 2013 – The Islanders did invite Reinhart to camp after the lockout ended, but it was a short camp for him as he was sent back to the WHL. Much more has been expected of Reinhart this season that what he has given. His WJC was rather uneventful with only a single assist in his 5 games. His outlook is still very strong at this point. Jason Banks

December, 2012 – Reinhart was selected to compete for Team Canada at the WJC in Russia. Rich Dillon

November 2012 – Reinhart has not produced up to expectations yet this season with only seven points in 21 games, well below his normal level of over .5 points per game for the Edmonton Oil Kings. Jason Banks

August, 2012 – Reinhart signed an entry-level contract with the Islanders and will report to camp when it opens. Rich Dillon

June, 2012 – The Islanders quickly snatched up Griffin Reinhart with the 4th overall selection in the 2012 NHL Draft. Brendan Ross

May 2012 – Reinhart was rock for the Oil Kings on their way to capturing the WHL crown. He had eight points in 20 games and was a plus-14. Unfortunately he didn’t fare as well in the Memorial Cup where he was a minus-five in only four games. Reinhart’s solid season should see him drafted in the early-mid first round.  Zenon Herasymiuk

February, 2012  – Griffin Reinhart is a towering rearguard who is mature beyond his years. The Edmonton Oil King is blessed with NHL size and a blistering shot. Though he is not afraid to mix it up he has yet to discover how to use his large frame to his advantage in both the offensive and defensive zones. Zenon Herasymiuk