Top 20 on the Islanders: #15 Dylan Reese

Dylan Reese of the New York Islanders (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

          Next up on Islanders top twenty list is a defenseman who has had his chance to play full-time up here.  In his games he has proved his worth, and has become one of the Islanders best young defenseman.  The number fifteen player on the list is defenseman, Dylan Reese.
          Reese was drafted by the rival, New York Rangers, in the seventh round (209th overall), in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.  He never got a shot on the NHL squad and was traded in 2007 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Like before, Reese never got his shot in the big leagues there also.  The Islanders acquired Reese on March first, 2010 in a trade that sent one of their prospects, Greg Moore, to Columbus.  That trade has proved to be a positive one for the Isles.
          Reese was being moved up and down between the Islanders and Sound Tigers the last two years.  However, he has finally cemented his role as an Islander defenseman this year.  So far this season Reese has tallied one goal and three assists, for four points. Though his stats do not show it, Reese has been an invaluable asset on this young squad.
          He has learned a lot from the veterans, and has recently been given the chance to play alongside the Isles' best defenseman, Mark Streit.  He's strong and he uses his stick very well to block shots.  He also does very well getting into passing lanes, and preventing easy chances.  
          Islander fans have finally seen the potential in Reese, and they have to be impressed.  Reese has now gotten his spot on the Islander roster.  It will be interesting to see what he could do next year, when he should get his chance for a full season on the Island.