Former Bismarck Defenseman, Chase Reid, Prepares for NHL Draft

Reid played with Bismarck in the 2024-25 season (photo courtesy of Hope Magelky)

Ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Buffalo, New York, Chase Reid reflects on his junior hockey career, specifically his time playing in the North American Hockey League.

Chase Reid took the hockey world by storm. The 18-year-old from Michigan has become one of the top prospects for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft thanks to his work from the blue line. The former Bobcat ranks second overall in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings. He played with  Bismarck last season in 18 games, tallying six goals and six assists. His dominance from the blue line continued in the OHL with the Soo Greyhounds. This year, Reid earned the honor of representing the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His ability as a two-way defenseman was evident at the annual event, as the blueliner recorded four points, scoring two goals and making two assists as the youngest member of Team USA.

Reid reflects on his time playing with the Bobcats during the 2024-25 season and what stuck out to him.

“Oh, definitely the fans. I thought going there and playing in front of a crowd like that and having the whole city along your back.”

He went on to share why his teammates and coaches in Bismarck were another reason for his success.

“[They] just gave me all the reason to succeed and didn't really give me much reason to not succeed.”

The young defenseman's path to becoming one of the top picks in this upcoming NHL Draft started with playing in the League of Opportunity. When doors were shut, the NAHL was a place for him to develop, compete, and ultimately advance in his hockey career.

Reid is known by his former Bismarck head coach, Garrett Roth, as an individual who has earned every opportunity that he has been given. The Michigan skater shared more on where that mentality came from.

“Yeah, I think my mom just always said, if you want it you got to get in. I want to play in the NHL and that's always been my goal. So I think being present in the moment, wherever I was at was always big as well. My mom taught me that from a young age to just embrace the moment, wherever you are and where you are is where God put you. So I just put my nose to the grindstone and worked hard every day.”

​The 2026 NHL Entry Draft begins tomorrow, June 26, 2026, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The first round kicks off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. Round two through seven will commence the following day, June 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM ET on NHL Network and ESPN+. The North American Hockey League will have full coverage of any picks on nahl.com and on the NAHL’s social media channels.