The 2026 NHL Draft delivered a headline moment for hockey fans in Michigan as 18‑year‑old defenseman Chase Reid was chosen seventh overall by the Seattle Kraken. The selection caps a rapid rise that began on the frozen ponds of Chesterfield, Michigan, and was honed in the Ontario Hockey League with the Soo Greyhounds.
From Michigan Roots to Major Junior Success
Reid’s junior career took a decisive turn when he joined the Greyhounds, where he posted 48 points in 45 games during the 2025‑26 season. His offensive output and defensive reliability made him a standout prospect, drawing attention from scouts across North America and earning him a spot on the United States Junior U‑20 roster.
Representing his country on the international stage, Reid contributed two goals and two assists in five games at the Junior U‑20 Championships, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure on big stages.
A Commitment to Michigan State and a Program on the Rise
Beyond the draft, Reid has pledged to play for Michigan State University, a program that captured the Big Ten regular‑season title in the 2025‑26 campaign. The Spartans, aiming to return to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2007, view Reid as the top incoming defenseman who can help bridge the gap between regular‑season dominance and championship contention.
The move also places Reid in the crosshairs of NHL leadership. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has frequently highlighted the importance of developing talent that can sustain the league’s growth, and Reid’s blend of size, skill, and hockey sense fits that narrative.
As the Kraken prepare to integrate him into their prospect pool, the next steps will involve a transition from the OHL to the NCAA, a path that has produced several successful NHL players. Fans in Michigan will be watching closely to see how Reid’s presence influences the Spartans’ quest for a national resurgence.