Rangers Should Consider Drafting Chase Reid in 2026

Defenseman could be a strong fit behind Adam Fox on the Rangers' blue line

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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With the New York Rangers likely to have a top draft pick in 2026, the team should seriously consider selecting defenseman Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Reid is considered one of the top two-way defensemen in his draft class and could be a strong fit behind star blueliner Adam Fox on the Rangers' roster.

Why it matters

The Rangers have struggled this season due in part to injuries on the blue line, underscoring the need to build depth on defense. Selecting a talented two-way defenseman like Reid could help solidify the Rangers' defensive corps for years to come.

The details

Through 42 games this season, the 18-year-old Reid has 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) with a plus-30 rating for the Soo Greyhounds. He's considered an excellent puck-mover with strong skating and passing abilities, as well as a capable defensive presence. Reid has also represented the United States at the 2026 World Junior Championship.

  • Reid is currently day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
  • He has signed a letter of intent to play at Michigan State University in 2026-27, but could turn pro if selected early in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The players

Chase Reid

An 18-year-old defenseman playing for the Soo Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League, considered one of the top two-way defensemen in the 2026 NHL Draft class.

Adam Fox

Star defenseman for the New York Rangers who missed nearly half the season due to injury, highlighting the need for defensive depth on the Rangers' roster.

EJ Emery

The Rangers' 2024 first-round draft pick, a right-shot defenseman currently playing his sophomore season at the University of North Dakota.

Keaton Verhoeff

Another top defensive prospect, a teammate of EJ Emery at North Dakota, who could be an option for the Rangers if Reid is off the board.

Albert Smits

A left-handed defenseman from Latvia who is widely expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and could be a fit behind Vladislav Gavrikov on the Rangers' blue line.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to play close to home. The coaches were unbelievable, and everything about the facilities and the fans, seeing the environment the guys play in, it was pretty much a no-brainer. My aunt played volleyball for the Spartans, and I always wanted to go there – we're a Spartan family.”

— Chase Reid (The Hockey News)

“He's a big, strong defenseman who does all the little things right. He plays fast in transition, he's got a bomb for a shot, and he uses his size to his advantage.”

— Chase Reid (The Hockey News)

What’s next

The Rangers will have a better idea of their draft position after the final six weeks of the regular season. If they secure a top-10 pick, Reid should be a strong consideration to help solidify the team's blue line for the future.

The takeaway

By targeting a talented two-way defenseman like Chase Reid in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Rangers can continue to build a strong foundation on the back end to support star players like Adam Fox and complement their offensive firepower up front.