Reese Johnson Bio
Reese Johnson is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on July 10, 1998, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, he plays as a forward and stands 185 centimeters tall while competing at 88 kilograms. He began his youth career with the Saskatoon Blazers before moving on to five seasons with the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL). After signing with the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he reached the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2021 and has since moved through the Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations.
Early Life and Background
Reese Johnson was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he developed his early interest in hockey through local youth programs. He played as a youth with the Saskatoon Blazers of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL), a competitive amateur circuit that helped shape his foundation as a forward. Growing up in Saskatoon placed him within a strong Canadian hockey culture, and his time with the Blazers offered the first taste of structured, high-level competition.
His development through the SMAAAHL gave Johnson the visibility he needed to attract major junior attention. After his stint with the Blazers, he was signed by the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, marking a clear step up in competition. This transition reflected the steady progress that defined his teenage years in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Johnson entered the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels and spent five seasons developing within one of Canada’s most respected major junior leagues. During his time in Red Deer, he grew into a leadership role, captaining the club in his final season of 2018–19. That year also produced his strongest offensive output, as he tallied a career high 27 goals and 53 points through 67 regular season games.
Despite his production, Johnson went unselected in the NHL Entry Draft, but his strong final junior season kept him on professional radars. On March 6, 2019, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent. After a first-round playoff exit with the Rebels to close his junior career, he began his professional journey with the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, where he posted four assists through six games to close out the 2018–19 season.
Reese Johnson Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Johnson began his AHL career with the Rockford IceHogs in 2019, working to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional hockey. The 2019–20 season gave him a full year of development at the pro level, allowing him to refine his two-way game and build trust with the Blackhawks’ coaching staff. The pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season changed his trajectory in unexpected ways.
After attending the Blackhawks’ training camp, Johnson was originally assigned to Rockford’s training camp. On January 21, 2021, he was added to Chicago’s taxi squad, and as a growing list of players were ruled out through COVID protocols, he received the call to the NHL. That opportunity set the stage for his top-league debut.
NHL Breakthrough with the Chicago Blackhawks (2021–2024)
Reese Johnson made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on January 31, 2021, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The debut came amid unusual circumstances driven by the pandemic, but it marked a significant personal milestone for the undrafted forward. Later that year, on November 23, 2021, he recorded his first career NHL goal in a 5–2 loss to the Calgary Flames, giving him a moment he had worked toward since junior.
Across his time with the Blackhawks, Johnson became a familiar bottom-six presence, valued for his energy, penalty killing, and willingness to play a physical role. He spent portions of each season with Rockford while continuing to push for NHL opportunities, and by the time his contract expired he had logged six seasons within the Blackhawks organization. That stretch established him as a reliable professional capable of stepping in at the top level when needed.
Minnesota Wild and Trade to Toronto (2024–Present)
After six seasons in the Chicago system, Johnson left as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2024. His time with the Wild proved brief, as he appeared in only three games during the 2024–25 season before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for future considerations. Following the trade, he was assigned to continue his work in the AHL with the Maple Leafs’ affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
The move to Toronto placed Johnson within a new organization and a fresh developmental setting. With the Marlies, he has continued to play his brand of responsible, physical hockey while remaining one call away from another NHL opportunity. His path from undrafted free agent to seasoned pro has shaped a career built on persistence and adaptability.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson is recognized for his two-way reliability, physical play, and willingness to handle difficult defensive matchups. He brings energy to a bottom-six forward group, contributes on the penalty kill, and uses his 185-centimeter frame to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. His game is built less on flash and more on consistency, effort, and a team-first mentality.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s signature milestones include captaining the Red Deer Rebels in 2018–19, signing his first NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2019, and making his NHL debut on January 31, 2021. His first NHL goal on November 23, 2021, against the Calgary Flames stands as another career-defining moment.
Reese Johnson Career Wins
Reese Johnson’s career has been built on steady progression rather than headline-grabbing trophies, and his on-ice achievements reflect that path. His most notable statistical milestone came during his final WHL season, when he set career highs of 27 goals and 53 points in 67 regular season games. He has also earned recognition as a leader, serving as captain of the Red Deer Rebels in 2018–19.
WHL Highlights
Across five seasons with the Red Deer Rebels, Johnson established himself as a consistent contributor and grew into a leadership role. His 2018–19 campaign stands as the clear highlight, with 27 goals and 53 points in 67 games and the honour of wearing the captain’s ‘C’. Those numbers and that responsibility cemented his standing as a player ready for the professional ranks.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his WHL accomplishments, Johnson reached the NHL after going undrafted, a path that required persistence and patience. His debut with the Chicago Blackhawks and his first NHL goal marked personal victories that few undrafted players ever experience.
Reese Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Reese Johnson’s family background is limited, and detailed records about his parents and upbringing are not widely documented in verified sources. His rise through Saskatchewan youth hockey, however, points to a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue the sport at a competitive level.
Personal Life
Reese Johnson tends to keep his personal life private, and there is limited verified public information about a spouse, partners, or children. His professional journey has kept the focus on his career rather than off-ice personal details.
2025 Season Performance
Reese Johnson’s 2024–25 season began with a brief stint in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild, where he appeared in three games before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. After the trade, he was assigned to the Toronto Marlies, where he has continued to play a regular role in the AHL. The transition offered him a chance to reset within a new organization and a fresh group of coaches and teammates.
With the Maple Leafs and Marlies, Johnson has focused on bringing his usual energy, defensive responsibility, and physicality to a competitive AHL lineup. His role within the Toronto system provides both a development opportunity and a chance to position himself for a return to NHL duty. The shift in scenery has been a meaningful change after six years in the Chicago organization.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s 2025 outlook centers on continuing to perform consistently with the Marlies and remaining ready for any recall to the parent club. His experience, leadership, and proven ability to step into the NHL give him a clear pathway back to the top level when the opportunity arises.