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On the Hunt: Chase Reid

Nashville’s Future Franchise Defenseman?

6/11/2026 • Neil Burkholder

Chase Reid (DEFENSE)
Height: 6’2”
Weight:190lbs
Shoots: Right
DOB: 12/30/07
Birthplace: Chesterfield,
Michigan, United States
2025-26 Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
2025-26 Stats: 45GP / 18G / 30A / 48P / 30PIM / 27

Projection: Franchise No. 1 Defenseman

The 2026 DCHL Draft class is loaded with defense, but few defensemen possess the complete package of size, mobility, intelligence, and upside that Chase Reid brings every single night.

When you watch Reid play, you are not simply watching a talented young defenseman. You are watching a player capable of becoming the foundation of an organization's blue line for the next decade.

After an outstanding season with the Soo Greyhounds, Reid established himself as one of the premier defensemen available in the 2026 DCHL Draft. The Chesterfield, Michigan native finished the year with 18 goals and 48 points in just 45 games, showcasing a rare blend of offensive production and two-way reliability. Against some of the best young talent in the OHL, Reid consistently demonstrated the poise, skill, and hockey sense that DCHL organizations covet in a modern defenseman.

Reid's skating is the foundation of his game. For a player standing 6-foot-2, he moves effortlessly in all four directions and possesses the mobility to impact every area of the ice. His stride is powerful and efficient, allowing him to lead rushes, recover defensively, and create separation from forecheckers under pressure. Whether he is carrying the puck through the neutral zone or defending against speed, Reid's mobility consistently stands out.

What truly separates Reid from many defensemen in this draft class is his ability to process the game at a high level. He identifies passing lanes quickly, anticipates developing plays, and rarely looks rushed with the puck on his stick. His vision allows him to quarterback offensive possessions from the blue line while his composure helps him make intelligent decisions under pressure. Reid consistently puts teammates in favorable situations and drives offense without sacrificing defensive structure.

While his playmaking ability is impressive, Reid is also a legitimate scoring threat. His 18 goals highlight his offensive instincts and willingness to attack when opportunities present themselves. He possesses a heavy shot from the point, excellent timing joining the rush, and the confidence to activate offensively when the situation calls for it. Opposing teams must respect both his passing and shooting abilities whenever he is on the ice.

Defensively, Reid continues to round out his game. He uses his reach effectively, maintains strong gap control, and relies on positioning and hockey sense to disrupt opposing attacks. As he continues to add strength and physical maturity, there is reason to believe his defensive impact will become even more significant. The tools are already present for him to develop into a complete two-way defenseman capable of handling top-pairing responsibilities.

For Nashville, the fit is incredibly intriguing. The Predators have spent the past several seasons building an impressive collection of young forwards. Players like Victor Eklund, Konsta Helenius, Cole Reschny, Matvei Gridin, Denver Barkey, and Ivan Ryabkin have given the organization a strong offensive foundation for the future.

What Nashville may still be searching for is a true franchise defenseman. Reid could be that player. His style complements the direction of the rebuild perfectly. He thrives in transition, supports offensive play, and possesses the intelligence to play in every situation. As Nashville continues building around speed, skill, and puck possession, Reid would fit seamlessly into that vision.

Imagine a future blue line led by Chase Reid alongside Adam Jiricek and Mikhail Gulyayev. Suddenly, Nashville has a defensive core capable of matching the talent and upside of its forward group. Reid's ability to control play from the back end would give the Predators a cornerstone piece that every championship-caliber team needs.

Reid also embodies many of the qualities organizations look for when building a winning culture. He competes hard, thinks the game at an advanced level, and impacts every shift regardless of whether he is producing offensively. Coaches trust players like Reid because they influence the game in so many different ways.

Chase Reid projects as a top-pairing defenseman with legitimate franchise potential. His combination of size, skating, hockey IQ, offensive instincts, and two-way upside gives him the tools to become one of the defining defensemen from the 2026 DCHL Draft class.

If the Predators ultimately call Chase Reid's name on draft day, it would not simply be the selection of another promising prospect. It could be the moment Nashville finds the cornerstone of its future blue line.