Chase Reid

Selected seventh overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2026 NHL Draft, Chase Reid brings high-level offensive production, international experience, and a remarkable development journey to the Michigan State Spartans for the 2026-27 season.

Two years before hearing his name called seventh overall in the NHL Draft, Chase Reid was playing Tier II junior hockey after struggling to establish himself in the United States Hockey League. His path to the NHL prospect spotlight was far from straightforward, but a change of opportunity helped transform his career.

Reid moved to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League and developed into one of the league's most productive young defensemen. His breakthrough 2025-26 season produced 18 goals and 30 assists in 45 regular-season games, establishing him as a first-round NHL selection and one of Michigan State's most highly regarded incoming players.

The Seattle Kraken selected Reid seventh overall on June 26, 2026. He subsequently joined the Michigan State Spartans, where he began the next stage of his development in NCAA Division I hockey.

His journey illustrates how persistence, opportunity, and continued improvement can reshape a young athlete's career.

• Full Name: Chase Reid
• Sport: Ice Hockey
• Position: Defenseman
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches
• Weight: 190 pounds
• Age: 18
• Date of Birth: December 30, 2007
• Hometown: Chesterfield, Michigan
• College: Michigan State University
• Current Team: Michigan State Spartans
• Jersey Number: 28
• Shoots: Right
• NHL Draft: Seventh overall, Seattle Kraken, 2026
• Previous Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Ontario Hockey League

Born in Chesterfield, Michigan, Reid developed through the state's competitive youth hockey system. He played for established youth programs, including Detroit HoneyBaked and Victory Honda, while progressing toward higher levels of competition.

Reid initially played forward before transitioning to defense. That change became an important part of his development, allowing him to combine offensive instincts with the responsibilities of defending his own zone.

His youth statistics demonstrated considerable scoring potential. During the 2022-23 season, he recorded 34 points in 63 games at the 15U AAA level. The following season, he produced 62 points in 68 games at the 16U AAA level.

Those performances helped establish his reputation as an offensive-minded player capable of contributing from the blue line.

Detailed information about his childhood away from hockey, personal interests, and private family life is limited in the public record. His documented playing history, however, shows a consistent progression through increasingly competitive environments.

Reid's route to major junior hockey began with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds selecting him 125th overall in the seventh round of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

His early junior experience presented challenges. He initially joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League but struggled to secure a consistent role. After leaving Waterloo, he moved to the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League, where he recorded six goals and six assists in 18 games.

That experience became an important turning point. Rather than continuing to struggle for opportunities in the same environment, Reid found a new path through the Greyhounds, where he could develop his game against strong major junior competition.

His first OHL season in 2024-25 proved productive. Reid recorded seven goals and 33 assists for 40 points in 39 regular-season games. He led OHL rookies in assists and earned selection to the league's First All-Rookie Team.

He also contributed during the postseason, recording three assists in five playoff games.

Reid improved again in 2025-26. He scored 18 goals and added 30 assists for 48 points in 45 regular-season games, leading Sault Ste. Marie defensemen in both goals and total points. He added another six points, including three goals and three assists, in 10 playoff games.

Across two OHL regular seasons, Reid accumulated 88 points in 84 games. His production demonstrated his ability to create offense consistently while continuing to develop the defensive responsibilities required at higher levels.

Reid reached a defining milestone on June 26, 2026, when the Seattle Kraken selected him seventh overall in the NHL Draft.

The selection reflected his rapid development and offensive production. He also became the first player in Michigan State hockey history selected by Seattle.

His accomplishments extended beyond junior competition. Reid represented the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording two goals and two assists for four points in five games.

The tournament gave him valuable experience competing against elite international opponents. It also demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively in a setting where young players face demanding competition and limited opportunities.

Reid's 2025-26 campaign earned him selection to the OHL First All-Star Team. His junior production, international experience, and first-round draft position established a strong foundation for his transition to college hockey.

Reid's offensive production is one of the defining characteristics of his game. His 18 goals and 30 assists in 2025-26 demonstrated an ability to contribute as both a scorer and a playmaker from the blue line.

His right-handed shot gives him options when distributing the puck and creating shooting opportunities. His background as a former forward also helps explain his attacking instincts and comfort supporting offensive sequences.

His skating and puck-moving ability are important parts of his profile. He can help initiate transitions, carry the puck into attacking areas, and create opportunities for teammates. These skills make him more than a defenseman whose primary contribution comes from stopping opposing players.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 190 pounds, Reid has a physical foundation suited to collegiate hockey. However, success at the NCAA level requires more than offensive production. Defensive positioning, gap control, puck management, and consistency against older opponents will be essential to his continued development.

His junior statistics establish his offensive ability, but they do not guarantee immediate success in college hockey. His progress will depend on how effectively he balances attacking opportunities with the responsibility of protecting his own zone.

Reid's most significant accomplishments include:

• Selection to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2025.
• Leading OHL rookies in assists during the 2024-25 regular season.
• Recording 40 points in 39 regular-season OHL games in 2024-25.
• Producing 48 points in 45 regular-season OHL games in 2025-26.
• Earning selection to the OHL First All-Star Team.
• Recording six points in 10 OHL playoff games in 2026.
• Representing the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
• Recording four points in five World Junior Championship games.
• Being selected seventh overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2026 NHL Draft.

These achievements document his progression from youth hockey to junior competition, international play, and recognition as a first-round NHL prospect.

One of the most revealing aspects of Reid's journey is how his career developed after a difficult start in junior hockey.

His experience in Waterloo and Bismarck demonstrated that a promising young player does not always find success immediately. His move to Sault Ste. Marie provided a different opportunity, and he responded by becoming a productive offensive defenseman.

That progression offers a meaningful perspective on athlete development. Potential alone does not determine a career. Finding the right environment, learning from difficult experiences, and continuing to improve can be equally important.

There is insufficient verified public information to make detailed claims about Reid's academic achievements, charitable activities, private challenges, or interests outside hockey. His documented career nevertheless demonstrates substantial progress through several levels of competition.

Reid joined Michigan State for the 2026-27 season as a freshman wearing No. 28.

He made an immediate contribution in the Spartans' regular-season opener against Northern Michigan on October 9, 2026. Michigan State won 6-2, with Reid recording two assists on power-play goals in the third period. His contributions helped the Spartans regain control after Northern Michigan had reduced the deficit to one goal.

The debut offered an encouraging introduction to NCAA hockey and showed that Reid could contribute offensively at his new level. However, one game cannot determine how his season will unfold.

His immediate priorities include establishing a consistent role, strengthening his all-around defensive game, and helping Michigan State compete in the Big Ten Conference. Continued development could also prepare him for a future professional career with Seattle.

Reid's long-term legacy remains unwritten, but his arrival gives Michigan State a defenseman with proven junior production, international experience, and first-round NHL Draft status.

His offensive ability offers the Spartans another potential source of production from the blue line. As he gains collegiate experience, his development will depend on translating individual strengths into consistent contributions to team success.

His journey also provides a useful example for younger players pursuing elite hockey. Early setbacks do not necessarily define a career, and development can involve changes in opportunity, environment, and responsibility.

Chase Reid arrives at Michigan State after a productive junior career, international competition with Team USA, and selection seventh overall by the Seattle Kraken.

His offensive instincts, puck-moving ability, and record of improvement make him an intriguing young defenseman. His early junior challenges also demonstrate that development does not always follow a straight path.

The next stage will test his ability to adapt to collegiate competition, improve defensively, and contribute consistently against experienced opponents. Michigan State provides the platform, while Reid's performances over the coming seasons will help determine how far his potential takes him.

His NHL Draft selection established his promise. His work at Michigan State will help shape what comes next.