A Draft‑Ready Defenseman
Michigan State University is poised to see as many as five of its prospects selected in the opening round of the upcoming NHL draft, a testament to the program’s recent development pipeline.
Among them, defenseman Chase Reid stands out as a top‑five prospect, drawing acclaim for his 6‑2 frame, elite skating stride and ability to transition the puck with poise.
Reid’s statistical output with the Soo Greyhounds was equally impressive, as he recorded 18 goals and 30 assists over 45 regular‑season games, underscoring his knack for generating offense from the blue line.
His contributions to the United States at the World Junior Championships further amplified his profile; he netted two goals and added two assists while representing his country on an international stage.
Corey Pronman, senior NHL prospect analyst, has placed Reid at the No. 1 spot on his personal board, citing a blend of size, skill and hockey IQ that projects well at the professional level.
Within the Spartans’ lineup, Reid is expected to assume a leadership role on the power play, potentially quarterbacking the top unit alongside fellow defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the second‑overall pick from the 2024 draft.
Reid’s developmental path has taken him through several junior programs, including stints with the Waterloo Blackhawks, the Bismarck Bobcats and the Soo Greyhounds, each of which helped refine his competitive edge.
Other Michigan State prospects generating buzz include forward Ethan Belchetz, defenseman Nikita Klepov, goaltender Jack Hextall, forward Brooks Rogowski, forward Ryker Lee and forward Shane Vansaghi, all of whom are projected to make significant impacts in the professional ranks.
The depth of talent reflects a broader trend of collegiate players increasingly influencing the draft’s early tiers, a shift that analysts say could reshape team building strategies in the coming years.