The Seattle Kraken selected defenseman Chase Reid with the seventh-overall pick [1] during the 2026 NHL Draft held in Buffalo, New York [3].
This selection represents a strategic shift for the franchise's roster construction. By prioritizing a right-handed defenseman, the team is addressing a specific positional need while investing high-lottery capital into its defensive core.
Reid was selected on Friday [3] during the league's annual player acquisition event. The pick marks the first time the Kraken have used a first-round selection to draft a defenseman [1]. The move suggests an intent to build from the back end, utilizing the 2026 [2] draft class to secure a cornerstone player for the blue line.
The draft took place in Buffalo, where the league gathered the top prospects from across the globe [3]. Reid's selection at seven [1] places him among the elite tier of incoming talent for the upcoming season.
While the team has previously focused on other positions in the early rounds of previous drafts, the acquisition of Reid signals a new direction. The Kraken sought a right-handed shot to balance their defensive pairings, a move that often provides tactical advantages in the NHL.
By securing Reid, Seattle joins other teams in the league that have prioritized defensive stability in the 2026 [2] draft cycle. The organization now looks toward integrating the young defenseman into its development system before he makes his professional debut.
“The Kraken chose the defenseman in Buffalo, marking the team's first first-round selection at the position.”
The selection of Chase Reid indicates a pivot in the Seattle Kraken's long-term building strategy. By using their first-ever first-round pick on a defenseman, the team is signaling that their current defensive depth is insufficient for their championship aspirations. Prioritizing a right-handed defenseman specifically addresses a common scarcity in the league, potentially improving their puck-moving capabilities and overall defensive symmetry.
