Fresh off being drafted seventh overall, the Michigan-bound defenseman swaps baseball diamonds for Kraken ice, breaking in new gear and embracing the whirlwind transition to professional hockey life.
Just days out from being picked 7th overall in the NHL Entry Draft, Chase Reid has made his way to Seattle and started work at the Kraken's 2026 Development Camp. The 6'2", 194 pound defenseman plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall, but for now he is honing his skills in Seattle as the next step in his NHL journey.
Talking about the whirlwind of the past few days, Reid said "it's been a blast" to meet the other prospects, coaches, and tour the facility. He made special mention of the Mariners game, and his first pitch-a strike-which he practiced in the tunnel before taking the field. Reid was a catcher as a kid, and grew up as a fan of the Detroit Tigers. He joked that the Mariners have his loyalty now that "they got my jersey with my number and my last name...the Tigers have never done that."
Reid joked that the biggest adjustment on the first day of camp has been breaking in his brand new gear, "Gloves are stiff, pants are stiff...stepping onto a NHL ice sheet for the first time...it's a feel-out day..." and added, "I've waited for this day my whole life, to wear this jersey and put on an NHL logo."
You can catch Chase Reid and the rest of the Kraken prospects in action at the Kraken Community Iceplex July 1st and 2nd during Development Camp.
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