There is no clear top defenseman in the 2026 NHL draft because the top of the class is so stacked. If you are in need of a defenseman this is the class to be in the top 10 Keaton Verhoeff 6'4" RHD 6G 14A 20P in 34GP NCAA Chase Reid 6'2" RHD 18G 30A 48P in 45P OHL Alberts Show more
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FN Draft Profiles: Chase Reid could be the offensive blueliner that the Flames need
Photo credit: Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Apr 30, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 30, 2026, 00:20 EDT
Chase Reid is projected to be among the top players in the 2026 NHL Draft, most commonly being ranked at number three. Reid is a right handed defenceman, known for his smooth skating and puck-handling, despite his size.
Let’s talk about what he might bring to the Calgary Flames, if he is drafted by the team.
Scouting report
Reid is originally from Michigan, where he began his hockey career before moving on to play 10 games with the Waterloo Blackhawks in Iowa, and 18 games with the Bismarck Blackhawks in North Dakota.
He quickly continued to develop in his hockey skills when he began his career in the OHL. Reid played with the Soo Greyhounds in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for two seasons, beginning in 2024. During his 2024-25 season with the team, he racked up 7 goals, 33 assists, 40 points in 39 games.
Going into his 2025-26 season with the Greyhounds, Reid became well known for his astonishing offensive play, which is somewhat rare among the league and into the NHL. Although he is 6’2″, he is known to be a more tentative player, often refraining from physical play. He also continuously showcased high-end transition skills, paired with a heavy shot, as showcased in his scouting reports.
Here’s what Jason Bukala, of Sportsnet and Pro Hockey Group, wrote about Reid recently:
Reid’s ranking has been on the rise since the beginning of the season and gained even more traction since the end of the world juniors. Reid is arguably the Greyhounds’ most valuable player and one of the most impactful defencemen in the entire OHL. In his last 10 games he averaged nearly 26 minutes of ice time per game, including one game versus the Erie Otters where he was deployed for an incredible 33:20.Reid has top-pairing NHL upside. He’s an outstanding skater who transitions pucks, joins the rush as an extra layer, quarterbacks the top power play unit, and pushes back physically.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic had this assessment of Reid’s play at the World Juniors:
Reid was the only non-Hutson Team USA defenseman who consistently generated offense and made plays. It was a positive tournament for him and his draft stock, which was already high coming in. There were times when he needed to defend a little firmer, but he was still one of the only D they trusted and that part of his game continues to come.
The numbers
Reid had an impressive 2025-26 season with the Blackhawks, being named an alternate captain, and racking up 18 goals, 30 assists, 48 points in 45 games.
During this season, he was selected to play for Team USA for the World Juniors, where the team finished fifth. Reid was able to acquire 2 goals, 2 assists for 4 points in 5 games during the tournament.
In August of 2024, Reid committed to Michigan State University, where he is projected to play his 2026-27 season after the draft.
Availability and fit
The projected top of the draft is stacked with incredible players, especially defencemen, which without a doubt, includes Reid.
Reid is a highly skilled defenceman, meaning he would bring the potential to change up the current Flames’ defensive pairings to increase efficiency. He would also bring his unique offensive skills, which the team currently seems to be lacking. Reid has speed and mobility that would be an asset to the team, to increase their chances for breakaways and aid in their currently lacking power play.
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