Reese Johnson

Reese Johnson is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was born on July 10, 1998, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and developed his game through the Western Hockey League before signing as an undrafted free agent. Johnson has played professionally since 2019, appearing in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Reese Johnson Bio

Reese Johnson grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and emerged as a promising forward through the junior hockey system. He played youth hockey with the Saskatoon Blazers of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League before advancing to major junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. Johnson compiled a career-high 27 goals and 53 points through 67 regular season games during his final WHL season, earning him an opportunity to sign professionally.

Johnson signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent on a three-year entry-level contract on March 6, 2019, and joined their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, for the final stages of the 2018–19 season. He spent six seasons within the Blackhawks organization, developing through the AHL before making his NHL debut during the 2020–21 season. After his time in Chicago, Johnson signed with the Minnesota Wild in 2024 and was later traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who assigned him to their AHL affiliate.

Early Life and Background

Reese Johnson was born on July 10, 1998, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and grew up playing hockey in one of the country’s most passionate hockey communities. As a youth, Johnson suited up for the Saskatoon Blazers of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League, competing against top-tier prospects across Western Canada. His play at that level earned him a spot with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, one of the premier major junior leagues in North America.

Johnson played five seasons with the Red Deer Rebels from 2014 to 2019, steadily building his reputation as a hardworking, physical forward capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. During his final season with the Rebels in 2018–19, Johnson was named captain of the club and posted a career-high 27 goals and 53 points across 67 regular season games. His leadership and on-ice production during that season helped establish him as a legitimate professional prospect despite having gone undrafted in the NHL Draft.

Path to Hockey

Johnson’s progression through the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels provided the foundational experience that shaped his professional style of play. Five full seasons at the major junior level allowed him to refine his two-way game, develop physical toughness, and absorb the demands of a grueling 68-game schedule. Being named captain during his final season demonstrated the respect he had earned from teammates and coaches alike, signaling that he possessed the maturity and leadership qualities that NHL organizations value.

Despite going undrafted, Johnson attracted significant attention from NHL teams through his junior career, particularly after his productive final season in Red Deer. The Chicago Blackhawks moved quickly to sign him as an undrafted free agent, recognizing his potential as a hardworking forward capable of filling a bottom-six role at the professional level. After completing his junior career with a first-round playoff exit, Johnson transitioned immediately to professional hockey by joining the Rockford IceHogs for the closing stages of the 2018–19 AHL season.

Reese Johnson Career

Early Career (2019–2021)

Reese Johnson began his professional career with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, during the closing stages of the 2018–19 season. In six games with the IceHogs, Johnson recorded four assists, offering a glimpse of his playmaking potential at the professional level. His early professional tenure was primarily spent developing in the AHL, where he worked to adapt his game to the speed and physicality of North American professional hockey.

Johnson spent the majority of the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons developing his game with the Rockford IceHogs, accumulating valuable experience in the league widely regarded as the top minor league in the world. During this period, he continued to refine his defensive awareness and forechecking ability, areas that would become defining characteristics of his game at the NHL level. His consistent play in Rockford earned him repeated call-ups to Chicago and demonstrated his readiness for the demands of North America’s top league.

Chicago Blackhawks Breakthrough (2021–2024)

Reese Johnson made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on January 31, 2021, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His call-up came after he was added to the Blackhawks taxi squad on January 21, 2021, following an outbreak of COVID-19 that depleted the team’s roster. The pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season created an unusual pathway to the NHL, but Johnson seized the opportunity and made the most of his initial exposure to the league’s top players.

Johnson recorded his first career NHL goal on November 23, 2021, in a 5–2 loss to the Calgary Flames, marking a personal milestone during his rookie season. Over six seasons with the Blackhawks organization, Johnson appeared in 139 NHL regular season games, establishing himself as a reliable, physical forward who could be counted on for consistent effort and defensive responsibility. His ability to kill penalties, win board battles, and create offense from the bottom of the lineup made him a valued depth player throughout his tenure in Chicago.

Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2024–Present)

After six seasons within the Blackhawks organization, Johnson left Chicago as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2024. Johnson appeared in three games for the Wild during the 2024–25 season before the organization traded him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for future considerations. The Maple Leafs assigned Johnson to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, where he continues his professional career.

Johnson joined a Toronto Maple Leafs organization that has consistently been a competitive presence in the Atlantic Division, bringing his experience and physical style of play to a forward group looking to add depth and grit. Spending time with the Marlies allows Johnson to continue playing regular minutes at the AHL level while remaining available for potential call-ups to the Maple Leafs. His experience across multiple organizations and his familiarity with the professional game position him as a reliable veteran presence within the Marlies lineup.

Playing Style and Strengths

Reese Johnson is a physical, two-way forward who brings relentless energy and defensive responsibility to every shift. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 193 pounds, Johnson uses his size effectively along the boards and in front of opposing nets, where he excels at winning board battles and screening goaltenders. His right-handed shot and high hockey IQ allow him to read developing plays and create scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates.

Notable Events and Milestones

Johnson made his NHL debut on January 31, 2021, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, stepping into the league during the unique circumstances of the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season. He scored his first NHL goal on November 23, 2021, in a 5–2 loss to the Calgary Flames, marking a significant personal milestone in his professional career. During his time with the Red Deer Rebels, Johnson served as captain during the 2018–19 WHL season, a role that reflected both his on-ice production and his leadership qualities.

Reese Johnson Career Wins

Reese Johnson has played across multiple professional leagues including the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, contributing steady offensive production and defensive reliability at each level. His professional career spans multiple organizations and has included regular-season contributions in the NHL alongside significant AHL experience. Johnson’s career numbers reflect his role as a hardworking forward who has consistently contributed to team success across both leagues.

NHL Career Highlights

Reese Johnson appeared in 139 NHL regular season games across his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild, recording six goals and nine assists for 15 total points. His NHL debut came on January 31, 2021, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he scored his first career NHL goal on November 23, 2021, against the Calgary Flames. Johnson appeared in four playoff games during his time in Chicago, adding an assist to his postseason resume.

AHL Career Highlights

Across his AHL career with the Rockford IceHogs and Toronto Marlies, Johnson has tallied 31 goals and 39 assists for 70 total points in 193 regular season games. His most productive AHL seasons came during his development years with Rockford, where he established himself as a reliable top-nine forward capable of contributing offense while playing a responsible two-way game.

Junior Career Highlights

During his five seasons with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, Johnson compiled 81 goals and 96 assists for 177 total points in 303 regular season games. His best offensive season came in 2018–19, when he captained the Rebels and posted 27 goals and 53 points through 67 games, earning himself an NHL free-agent contract.

Reese Johnson Family

Family Background

Reese Johnson was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, in a community with deep roots in hockey culture. His youth hockey experience with the Saskatoon Blazers placed him within one of Western Canada’s most competitive minor hockey programs, providing him with a strong foundation before advancing to major junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels.

2025 Season Performance

Reese Johnson began the 2024–25 season with the Minnesota Wild after signing a one-year, two-way contract in July 2024, appearing in three games before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs assigned Johnson to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, where he continues to develop and contribute at the professional level. Johnson’s experience across multiple organizations and his familiarity with both NHL and AHL competition make him a valuable depth player capable of contributing in various roles throughout the season.