This news actually comes from yesterday, but with a new work schedule, I might be a little late to things from here on out.
The Devils announced on Monday that defenseman Reilly Walsh has signed a three-year entry-level contract. Walsh was selected in the third round, 81st overall in 2017 out of Harvard University (ECAC).
The 21-year-old blueliner played three years with the Crimson (2017 to 2020). According to the press release put out by the Devils, he had career highs in 2018-19 with 12 goals and 19 assists totaling 31 points in 33 NCAA games.
Last year, Walsh, who shoots right-handed, racked up eight goals plus 19 assists, accumulating 27 points – good for second in the ECAC. The press release also notes that he was “named to the All-Ivy League Honorable Mention Team this year” notably because he was tied for fourth in assists and fourth in power play points (six goals, nine assists for 15 points) in Ivy League competition.
In 2017-18 (his freshman year), he was named to the ECAC’s All-Rookie Team and in 2018-19 (his sophomore year) he was an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention Team member.
At Harvard, he ended his career with 27 goals, 51 assists and 78 points notched over 96 games.
“We are excited to add Reilly to the Devils’ organization. Since being drafted in 2017, our staff has watched him blossom into the leader he is today, both on and off the ice. Walsh is a fast, puck-moving defenseman who has developed his all-around game this past season. He was a dynamic playmaker for Harvard, with an offensive mind that allowed him to easily transition and jump up into the play if needed. He has the skillset our club is looking for and adds to our stable of defensive professional prospects joining the organization,” said Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald about the Andover, New Hampshire-native.
Walsh, who was born April 21, 1999, is a 6-foot, 185-pound prospect, the son of former NHLer Mike Walsh. Mike Walsh played with Tom Fitzgerald in the American Hockey League as well as at the NHL level (with the New York Islanders in the late-1980’s).
Reilly Walsh played high school hockey at Proctor Academy and also with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League prior to attending Harvard. According to the press release put out by the club, his younger brother, Ronan, played for Proctor this past season and has committed to the University of Vermont.