The Seattle Kraken made headlines at the NHL Draft when they selected Chase Reid, an 18‑year‑old defenseman from Pontiac, Michigan, with the first opening‑round defensive pick in franchise history, a move that underscores the team’s commitment to building a formidable blue line.
Reid’s journey to the draft was anything but linear. After a standout season with the Soo Greyhounds, where he posted the second‑highest point‑scoring rate among Ontario Hockey League defensemen, he was released by his USHL junior team and forced to rebuild in Tier II hockey in North Dakota before the Greyhounds reclaimed him in the seventh round of the OHL draft, a testament to his resilience.
The draft’s top two selections went to Gavin McKenna and Ivar Sternberg, while Caleb Malhotra, son of head coach Manny Malhotra, slid to the third spot for the Vancouver Canucks, a surprise that highlighted the Malhotra family’s deep roots in the sport.
Buffalo Sabres added Daxon Rudolph from the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, the New York Rangers tapped Finnish‑German prospect Alberts Smits, and the Calgary Flames chose Carson Carels, each team investing in versatile blue‑liners. The Kraken’s own recent history includes Ryker Evans, who had been their highest‑drafted defenseman until Reid’s selection.
A Milestone for Seattle’s Defense
In a brief interview, Chase Reid expressed gratitude for the challenges that shaped him, noting that each setback had forged a resilience he hopes to bring to the Kraken’s defensive core, a sentiment echoed by teammates and analysts who see his addition as a potential catalyst for future success.
The ripple effects of this draft extend beyond Seattle, influencing how other franchises view late‑round defensive prospects and reinforcing the importance of perseverance in a player’s development arc.