The Chicago Blackhawks have the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and with it, the opportunity to select one of the top prospects in the class. Among the names being thrown around, Chase Reid, a right-handed defenseman from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, has emerged as a top contender. But should the Blackhawks draft Reid? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes, and here's why.
Reid is a rare talent, a combination of skating, size, skill, and intelligence that scouts and analysts are raving about. His ability to generate high-danger chances and make defensive plays is impressive, and his physical attributes, including his 6-foot-3 frame and outstanding feet, make him a force to be reckoned with. What makes Reid particularly fascinating is his ability to improve exponentially, as noted by scouts and analysts. His development has been exponential, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could become a two-way minutes-eating No. 1 defenseman who can score at a significant clip.
From my perspective, the Blackhawks should draft Reid because of his potential to fill a specific need in the organization. The Blackhawks currently have Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel as their future right-handed defensemen, but adding Reid to the mix would create a dynamic trio of physical, athletic, right-handed defensemen who can run a power play. This would be ideal for the Blackhawks, as it would allow them to develop a strong defensive core and potentially create a more balanced team.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Reid is committed to play at Michigan State this coming season. This is a detail that I find especially interesting, as it raises a deeper question: what would have happened if the Blackhawks had drafted Levshunov in the top-four overall? The Blackhawks know the Michigan State program well, and Reid will be joining a team with a ton of elite talent that's either already been drafted or top prospects in this draft class. This could be a strategic move for the Blackhawks, as it would allow them to develop Reid in a supportive environment and potentially benefit from the program's success.
In conclusion, the Blackhawks should draft Chase Reid in the 2026 NHL Draft. His potential to become a two-way minutes-eating No. 1 defenseman who can score at a significant clip, combined with his ability to improve exponentially and fill a specific need in the organization, makes him an attractive prospect. If the Blackhawks select Reid, they would be adding a rare talent to their defensive core and potentially creating a more balanced team. Personally, I think this is a no-brainer, and I can't wait to see how Reid develops in the NHL.
