The Seattle Kraken shook up the first round of the NHL Entry Draft on Friday night in Buffalo, using the No. 7 overall pick on right-shot defenseman Chase Reid. The Sault Ste. Marie standout is considered one of the 2026 class’s top offensive blueliners, and his arrival instantly reshapes how Seattle’s prospect pool looks on the back end. The move has Kraken fans already debating how fast he might push his way to the big club.
According to Seattle Kraken, the team grabbed the 6-foot-2, 194-pound Reid out of the Soo Greyhounds after a 48-point regular season, with 18 goals and 30 assists in 45 games. The club’s draft release notes that Reid earned a spot on the OHL First All-Star Team and chipped in four points for Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Kraken say Reid is expected to hit the ice at the club’s development camp at the Kraken Community Iceplex this week.
Scouting profile
Reid’s calling card is a blend of skating, playmaking and legitimate goal threat from the blue line, a package that has scouts viewing him as one of the most complete right-shot defensemen in this draft class. Sportsnet highlighted his point-per-game pace in the OHL and reported that he is committed to Michigan State, which gives the Kraken some flexibility on whether to bring him along quickly or let him marinate in the NCAA. That mix of transition skill and special-teams upside is what had analysts tagging Reid as one of the top defensive prospects available this spring.
What it means for the Kraken
Reid’s selection marks a notable shift in Seattle’s draft approach. The Kraken had not used a first-round pick on a defenseman in the franchise’s early drafts, and this move signals a clear push to secure top-end blue line talent. FOX 13 Seattle quoted general manager Jason Botterill as saying, "We certainly had Chase very high on our list," adding that the club was "ecstatic" to bring him into the organization. A high-ceiling, right-shooting defenseman like Reid could eventually reshape Seattle’s power play and matchup plans.
Next steps and reaction
Reaction in Kraken circles came quickly. The Locked On Kraken segment on KSDK’s Locked On Kraken labeled the choice a stunner with franchise-altering upside. The Kraken say Reid will report to development camp from June 29 through July 2 at the Kraken Community Iceplex, after which the organization will sort out his next steps, either additional seasoning at Michigan State or a faster jump toward the pro game. For now, Seattle is treating Reid as a long-term building block on the right side rather than a short-term flier. Seattle Kraken
