We are officially four days away from the 2025 NHL Draft and there are no shortage of news and rumors. Today, we saw Trevor Zegras be dealt to the Anaheim Ducks and it seems like there could be more moves like that happening over the next few days. The Columbus Blue Jackets could find themselves dipping into the trade market as well as we lead up to the draft. There are some reports suggesting that they are willing to part with one of their first round picks to make the team better now.
It is important to examine potential targets if they do decide to keep their picks, which is something that we've been covering at the Blue Jackets' Hockey News site for the better part of the month. Today, we continue that by looking at defenseman Cameron Reid of the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League.
Scouting Report
Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
2024–25 Stats: 14 G, 40 A, 54 P, 44 PIM
DOB: April. 8, 2007
Position: D
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 174 lbs
Reid is known as a two-way defenseman, however, will likely become a defensive-minded blue liner at the NHL level. He excels in his own end and would pair well with someone who can see the ice and jump up in the rush. He is good at using his body and closing gaps. Whether it be by throwing hits, blocking shots or getting his stick in lanes, he can be a reliable shutdown player for whichever NHL team drafts him.
The offensive side of his game kicks in on the power play. He can quarterback a power play, with his booming shot and high hockey IQ. He can also use his speed to join the rush, which also helps him get back on the backcheck to put pressure on the opponent. Reid is very rarely caught off guard, he is always in position and cutting off the angles. He is going to be a very good shutdown defenseman at the NHL level, someone similar to Jake Muzzin was during his NHL career.
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What the Scouts Are Saying:
At the point, Reid can catch low-to-high passes in crossovers toward the middle, beat an approaching defender, and drive down the wing for a shot or a slot pass. Once he imbalances defenders with a change-of-direction feint, they have no chance of catching him, his explosive skating carrying him past them in a second. His skating ability also fuels his breakout game. He can retrieve pucks, shake forechecking pressure using his edges and the net and carry the puck out. — Elite Prospects, 2025
"He closes on pucks quickly and can get the play going up the ice due to his feet. He's average-sized but competes well and is a physical player. He makes efforts defensively and coaches trust him." — Corey Pronman, The Athletic
"He can influence play with his feet, whether that’s defending and closing gaps, escaping pressure, transporting pucks or getting open and active off the puck. He’s a heady, offensively inclined player but he defends well with a good stick and sense for timing and disruption and has been a major driver of two-way results for the Rangers this season." — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
"Reid can do a little bit of everything – his three-zone game is so good, and he’s got the intelligence to beat so many players in 1-on-1 situations. I’m not sure the ceiling is that high for Reid, but if you’re looking for someone with the brains and the mobile ability to challenge for a top-four spot one day, he’s your guy." — Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
"Reid is compact in stature, but plenty strong in the trenches. He doesn’t shy away from physical contact, but his most elite element is his skating ability. Reid has the agility and explosiveness to close on opponents defensively and spin off checks to launch the attack offensively." — Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
"With the puck, Reid flashes upside as a puck mover—capable of joining the cycle, executing clean passes off the wall, and supporting transition when space is available. He’s confident pinching up to keep plays alive in the offensive zone and can make quick reads into the slot. That said, his decision-making under pressure can be inconsistent." — Smaht Scouting
Blue Jackets Rumor Roundup: Marner, Provorov, & Draft Day
Welcome to the first edition of Blue Jackets rumour roundup, where my colleague Jason Newland and I be covering all the news and rumors surrounding the Blue Jackets.
After reading about Reid, does he not sound like a near perfect fit for Zach Werenski? GM Don Waddell has been known for building a reliable blue line. If you look back to his time with the Carolina Hurricanes, he did the same thing there. He will definitely take that mindset to help build the team here in Columbus. It starts with moves like this one, drafting a shutdown blue liner that can pair with one of the best defensemen in the NHL and have a huge impact on the team for years to come.
Let us know what you think below.
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