Reid Duke

April 2018 – One of the knocks on Reid Duke is that he has a history of being injury prone and this year was no exception. Prior to training camp Duke suffered a shoulder injury in a rookie game that saw him miss the first six months of the season and was only able to come back in a limited role for the final 14 AHL games where he did not post a point and went minus-6 for the Chicago Wolves. Duke did, however, crack the lineup for two of Vegas’ three playoff games but was unable to find much ice-time. The first player signed by the Golden Knights franchise is going to have to work hard this off-season to build some muscle so that he can stay healthy next year if he has any chance of eventually cracking an NHL roster. Mason Black

March 2017 – With their first transaction in franchise history, the Las Vegas Golden Knights have signed 21 year-old forward Reid Duke. After the Wild elected not to sign the former 2014 sixth round pick, Duke re-entered the 2016 NHL draft, only to go undrafted and become eligible to sign as a free agent with any team. He is currently the Wheat King’s leader in goals and points with 35 goals and 67 points in 54 games. Duke is an all-around forward and played a big role in Brandon’s trip to the Memorial Cup last year. He has displayed his offensive talent this season; however it will remain to be seen whether that talent will translate at the professional level. Although there are still plenty of obstacles to overcome, he should have plenty of opportunity with a franchise that is building from the ground up. Joel Gluss

February 2015 – Reid Duke’s hockey development seems to constantly be in a state of flux through little fault of his own. Recurring upper body ailments have stalled his otherwise pleasing development, thereby hindering his progress as well as his long term upside. In doing so, the Minnesota Wild managed to take a flier on the Central Scouting’s 65th ranked North American skater by way of a 6th round pick. In doing so, they acquired a good well rounded prospect that has some offensive upside. He has much of the pressure removed from his shoulder from his move Lethbridge to Brandon of the WHL thereby giving him easier minutes and a better chance to just work on staying healthy while improving his game. His Jack of all trade approach to the game is one that will serve him well at the next level. Through 52 games in his third full WHL season, Duke is producing just shy of a point-per-game with 20 goals and 51 points in 52 games. Edric Joseph