Cameron Reid 2025 NHL Draft profile

Reid’s on-ice production

Reid has not let his size define him, as his draft stock has been rising heavily due to his growth on both sides of the ice. This season, Reid recorded solid offensive totals for the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, scoring 14 goals and 54 points from the blue line and finishing the year at a +39. He was also an assistant captain for the team.

Reid was drafted 10th overall by the Rangers in 2023, after playing triple-A hockey in the United States. There’s no doubt that Reid will be an interesting defensive prospect who will likely be selected in the middle of the first round, as his elite play has dictated this path.

Reid’s strengths

As mentioned, Reid has worked on his defensive game considerably. He’s often seen positioning himself strongly to disrupt the opposition’s plays using an active stick and his body. He’ll also engage in puck battles where he can recover pucks with ease and he’s seen making smart plays when under pressure.

This can be attributed to Reid’s skating, which is very strong. He has great mobility on the ice, which helps him join offensive plays and to tighten up defensive spaces. His speed and edgework enable him to transition quickly, create space for himself and to escape from pressure.

Having a strong hockey IQ, Reid also shows flashes of elite offence and playmaking. He often completes his passes to teammates and has a lot of experience quarterbacking power plays. Additionally, he’s also seen joining the rush which is always an appreciated quality defenceman can have. Reid is active in all zones of the ice and in all situations, proving that he has the tools to become an elite, two-way threat.

Reid’s areas of improvement

One criticism Reid’s play receives is his shooting efficiency. While he has a good foundation of a shot, his release can be more accurate, and he can also add strength to his one-timers, resulting in making him a bigger threat from the blue line.

There’s also the need for him to gain physical strength. If Reid truly wants to be an elite blueliner, he’ll have to add lean mass to strengthen his board play and overall physicality. Occasionally, while Reid’s defensive game is strong, there are times when he is exposed or vulnerable. This is often addressed with further development, but Reid must focus on being more defensively aggressive in all areas of the ice.

Fit with the Flames

The Calgary Flames have a very deep prospect pool when it comes to defence, but most of their best prospects are suited for the right side.

Reid being a lefty would be an intriguing pick, as the Flames don’t have as many defensive prospects on the left side that project high. Their best left-handed defence prospects include Etienne Morin and Jeremie Poirier. While Morin has a future, Poirier is a major question mark as he hasn’t got a single look in the NHL since being drafted back in 2020.

While Reid would be a pick to further deepen the Flames’ pool regarding the blue line, it may be in their best interest to pick a forward instead. However, the team will likely pick the best player available when they’re at the podium, and if Reid is that player, so be it.

Reid’s NHL projection

Reid has the potential to become a vital top-four defenceman for any team’s blueline. His skillset and growth have resulted in scouts raising his stock by a mile. As for NHL comparables, Florida Panthers defenceman Gustav Forsling is a common comparison. Both are players who are considered undersized for their positions, but who are also mobile and contribute positively on the defensive side, adding in some offence as well.

Summary on Reid

With more development and refinement to his game, Reid is expected to be an NHL regular on the blue line. He contributes on both ends of the ice and displays strong hockey IQ. Any team that is looking to strengthen its blue line will take a hard look at Reid, as his growth potential is quite large.

Risk: 2/5

Reward: 4.5/5

NHL comparables: Gustav Forsling

NHL projection: Top-four defenceman