Reid ready for NHL draft moment after long journey

Chase Reid is on the cusp of realizing a long-held dream as he prepares for the NHL draft, a moment that felt distant not long ago. The journey has been a testament to his resilience, marked by setbacks and remarkable comebacks.

Committed to playing college hockey at Michigan State, Reid faced an early-season disappointment when he was cut from the United States Hockey League, the country's premier domestic junior league. He then joined the North American Hockey League, where he recorded 12 points in 18 games for the Bismarck Bobcats. This performance caught the attention of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who had drafted him in 2023.

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If they didn’t give me the opportunity, I don’t know where I’m at today.

"If they didn’t give me the opportunity, I don’t know where I’m at today," Reid said, crediting the Greyhounds for reviving his draft prospects. Since joining the team, the six-foot-three, 195-pound defenseman has seen his stock soar. He registered 18 goals and 48 points in just 45 games, significantly boosting his draft ranking.

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He does have a chip on his shoulder. Somebody that has a blind faith that things are going to work out if he puts that work in and he trusts who’s around him.

Sault Ste. Marie general manager Kyle Raftis described Reid as having "a chip on his shoulder" and "blind faith that things are going to work out if he puts that work in." Reid himself described the past year as a "roller-coaster" but emphasized his determination. "I made sure everybody knew that I was not going to stop working until I achieved my goals."

Reid's ascent has been rapid, particularly after his performance at the world junior hockey championship and winning the Canadian Hockey League's top prospect award for 2025-26. His story exemplifies perseverance, turning a season of doubt into a potential NHL career.

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But I thought I handled myself. I made sure everybody knew that I was not going to stop working until I achieved my goals.