Denny Johnston is an original Ontario Reign signee, but has never played an ECHL game in his life. Why?

The 26-year-old center made the Manchester Monarchs’ AHL roster out of training camp, signed a Pro Tryout agreement, and never came back. Johnston notched a goal and an assist through his first four games, didn’t score over the next six, then went on injured reserve in early December and never played again. According to the Union-Leader of Manchester N.H., Johnston was healthy enough to practice when the team released him from his Tryout contract yesterday.

Assuming Johnston joins the Reign’s active roster right away, that leaves the team with 10 healthy forwards, eight healthy defensemen, and two healthy goalies, right back at the ECHL-maximum 20 — this about two weeks after the team was rotating five defensemen, eight forwards and one goalie. Goaltender Kellen Briggs (3-day), Ryan MacGregor (7-day) and Ryan Bowness (30-day) are all on IR.

The key question as the Reign approach a two-game weekend series Friday and Saturday with the Utah Grizzlies: How will they handle their surplus of skaters? Two defensemen won’t get to play if no roster moves are made. Both Ryan Card and David Walker have rotated in at forward at times this year, but will Karl Taylor go that route again?

Stay tuned…