Reid saw more time on the power play and was a mainstay 5-on-5 in the absence of Hutson.
“At World Juniors, you saw another scenario where this young man gets thrown into the fire,” Dean said. “He understands the magnitude of the stage, but his approach doesn’t change. He really treats everything the same and I think that’s a major strength. It doesn’t suggest that he doesn’t understand that things need to be different at certain levels but that preparing the same way every game is important and he just needs to be himself. I think that’s why he shines so much. He’s so good on these big stages.”
Reid, who is committed to Michigan State University in 2026-27, said he’s at his best when he’s defending the right way and confidently leading the transition.
“I’m making good breakout passes, killing plays early, keeping a good gap in the neutral zone, and making sure that I’m physical,” he said. “In the offensive zone I’m getting shots through from the blue line, skating, moving my feet when I have the puck and not standing still. All the little things are on point when things are clicking.”
Reid, born in Pontiac, Michigan, had a message for any NHL club looking for an elite defenseman in this year’s draft.
“I mean, you obviously have guys like Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, who are forwards and very skilled, very dynamic, gifted players,” Reid said. “But if you need a defenseman, you know who to call.”
