The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with a surprising twist as the Seattle Kraken reached deep into their prospect pool to secure Chase Reid, a 6‑foot‑2, 192‑pound defenseman from Chesterfield, Michigan. The selection came at the seventh overall slot, underscoring the team's confidence in the young blueliner's upside.
Reid spent the previous season with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, where he posted 18 goals and 30 assists for a total of 48 points in 45 games. Those numbers placed him among the league's most productive defensemen and highlighted his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
International Exposure
Beyond his club achievements, Reid earned a spot on Team USA's World Junior roster, where he tallied two goals and two assists across five games. The experience on an international stage added a new dimension to his résumé and demonstrated his capacity to perform under pressure on larger stages.
The Kraken's management praised Reid's blend of size, skating ability, and offensive instincts. General manager Ron Hextall noted that the player's development trajectory aligns with the franchise's long‑term vision of building a dynamic, puck‑moving defense.
Reid is expected to transition to the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds for the upcoming season, where he will have the opportunity to refine his game against professional competition. Analysts predict that, given his trajectory, he could make his NHL debut within the next two years, potentially forming a formidable partnership with existing blue‑liners.
A New Chapter for Seattle
The addition of Reid signals the Kraken's intent to bolster their defensive depth and inject fresh offensive firepower into their lineup. With a blend of size, skill, and international experience, the Michigan native is poised to become a key offensive player for Seattle, a prospect that has fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of the franchise's evolution.