Sunrise, FL- Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced today that the Panthers have acquired defenseman Reece Scarlett from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Shane Harper. Scarlett will report to Florida's American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Scarlett, 23, recorded 21 points (4-17-21) in 50 games with the Albany Devils. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta has recorded 92 points (16-76-92) over 215 AHL games, all with Albany.

He was originally selected by New Jersey in the sixth round (159th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Following tonight's matchup in Hartford, Springfield plays host to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for a second straight Friday night, this time on Bruce Landon Legacy Night on March 3. Then the Thunderbirds hit the road for their final regular season contest against the Hershey Bears from the Giant Center on Sunday. 

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds 2017-18 Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey and brand new Collectors Mug. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.