Cameron Reid’s still got some work to do if he plans on growing into his six-foot frame. But if the 2024-25 season showed us anything, it’s that slightly-built defensemen can shine. Just look at Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, who won the Calder Trophy despite his 5’9, 162-lb build.
That said, size ain’t the issue with Reid, who could boast about an average build if he packed on another 20 pounds. It’s also not the most necessary trait for a blueliner who will be a future playmaker in the NHL. And isn’t that something the Detroit Red Wings can’t get enough of?
Yeah, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka all have potential. But Seider’s a bruiser first and a playmaker second. A solid playmaker who’ll never boast elite status offensively, and that’s okay. Edvinsson’s good, but he didn’t foreshadow greatness this season, even if that can change when the puck drops in October.
Then, there’s Sandin-Pellikka, whom we’ve only seen a small sample size of on North American ice. That leaves room to draft a kid like Reid and let him develop, even if you know Seider, Edvinsson, and Sandin-Pellikka will either continue or will be major puzzle pieces for the Wings. Anyway, let’s talk more about Reid.
Playmaking isn’t Cameron Reid’s only superpower
I’ll tell you this: 14 goals from a blueliner’s pretty good, especially in what’s only been Reid’s second OHL season. Reid totaled 54 points in 67 contests overall, so I’m wondering what he’s got in store for us all next season. Point per game? Hey, I wouldn’t put it past him.
And yeah, if you’re a blueliner who can put up points like a forward, you’re more than welcome to join the Wings system should Steve Yzerman take you at No. 13 - assuming he keeps the 13th pick.
But the question is: How does Reid have forward-scoring potential? Skating and creative puck-handling are two places to start. Reid can outskate the best of them, and if an opponent’s lucky enough to at least challenge Reid, he’ll just use those tremendous handling skills to keep the puck outta reach.
If you want a blueliner who can specialize in giving opponents migraines because he’s so slick, Cameron Reid’s your guy. And that will translate well to the pro levels.
Where would Reid stand in the Red Wings organization?
Reid just turned 18, so expect him to stick around the junior level until at least 2026-27. But Reid would be worth the wait, given his electric skillset, and one that could flatten the learning curve when he’s ultimately playing pro hockey.
Would he transform into an NHL talent the second his career ends in juniors? I’m not gonna be that bold. But if you give him two more seasons in the OHL, plus a full season in the AHL, then a full-time jump to the NHL by the 2028-29 season isn’t totally outta the question.
Reid could be on the fast track at that point, and maybe even give fans of the team that drafts him a cameo or two with the big club. Overall, if he’s there at No. 13, there are very, very few blueliners I’d take over Reid.
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