Sportsvival continues its deep dive into the 2026 NHL Draft class, spotlighting Soo Greyhounds defenseman Chase Reid, an emerging two‑way blueliner whose blend of offensive instincts and defensive reliability has vaulted him into first‑round consideration. Reid’s OHL production and poised game make him one of the most intriguing defense prospects available.
Sportsvival Scouting Dossier: Chase Reid, D, Soo Greyhounds
Player Profile
Name: Chase Reid
Position: Right-handed Defensemen
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 187 lbs
Birthdate: December 30, 2007
Birthplace: Chesterfield, Michigan, USA
Current Club: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
NCAA Commitment: Michigan State University (2026–27)
Early Development
Reid’s path began in Michigan youth hockey before a stint with the NAHL’s Bismarck Bobcats. His mid‑season move to the Soo Greyhounds in 2024–25 proved pivotal, as he quickly established himself as a point‑per‑game defenseman from the blueline. His rise from overlooked prospect to centerpiece of the Greyhounds’ back end underscores his adaptability and growth.
Physical Profile
Frame: At 6’2”, 187 lbs, Reid has the length and mobility NHL teams covet in a modern defenseman.
Skating: Smooth stride with strong lateral agility; excels at transitioning from defense to offense.
Strength: Still developing functional muscle; projects to add 10–15 lbs to handle NHL forecheck pressure.
OHL Production
2025–26 Season (to date): 36 GP, 16 G, 24 A, 40 PTS
Impact: Among the highest‑scoring defensemen in the OHL draft class, Reid drives offense from the back end while maintaining defensive responsibility.
On‑Ice Impact
Two‑Way Profile: Calm, intelligent defender who limits mistakes and generates scoring chances.
Transition Game: Quick retrievals and first passes spark Greyhounds’ rushes.
Special Teams: Trusted on the power play as a puck mover and on the penalty kill for his positioning.
International & Draft Resume
Though cut from the U.S. U18 team last season, Reid’s response has been emphatic, leading OHL draft‑eligibles in production and earning recognition as a projected first‑rounder in 2026. His commitment to Michigan State ensures he’ll face older competition, a key step in his development.
Scouting Section
Positives
High hockey IQ and vision; reads plays exceptionally well.
Offensive upside with point‑per‑game production from the blueline.
Size and skating combination ideal for NHL projection.
Negatives
Needs added strength to handle heavy NHL minutes.
Occasional risk‑taking in transition can lead to turnovers.
NHL Comparison
Alex Pietrangelo, Reid mirrors Pietrangelo’s poised two‑way game, combining offensive instincts with defensive reliability. Like Pietrangelo early in his career, Reid projects as a top‑pair defenseman who can quarterback a power play while logging heavy minutes against top competition.
Sportsvival View- Draft Projection & Fit
Projection: Top‑10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Reid’s blend of size, skating, and offensive production makes him one of the premier defense prospects in this class.
Fit: Teams seeking a cornerstone right‑shot defenseman with top‑pair upside should prioritize Reid.
Key Considerations: Monitor his strength gains, decision‑making under pressure, and transition to NCAA competition at Michigan State. These factors will determine whether he becomes a reliable top‑pair anchor or settles into a strong second‑pair role.
(photo courtesy of the Hockey News)