Discovering Cameron Reid, Predators’ 2025 Draft Hopeful

Cameron Reid was picked as the No. 21 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. 

The first time Shayne Stockton shared the ice with Cameron Reid, he turned to his fellow coaches and remarked, “This kid is one of the best skaters I’ve worked with.”

At that moment, Reid was just 14 and had recently joined Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, N. Y. Stockton had just finished his playing career (which included four seasons as a pro in Britain and France after four years at Holy Cross in NCAA) and became part of the coaching team for Bishop Kearney Selects.

During his second year coaching Reid, he appointed him captain of Bishop Kearney’s U15 team.

A year and a half later, the Kitchener Rangers selected Reid with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 OHL draft.

Now, three and a half years since that initial skate, Reid is being considered as a potential first-round choice in the 2025 NHL Draft. Alongside them during that first assessment of Reid’s skating was Jack Murtagh, who would eventually join USA Hockey’s NTDP and be labeled as a possible first-round pick himself. Stockton described Murtagh as having “breakaway speed” too.

However, Reid stood out-both for his skating skills and personality.

The skating was “just top notch.” But what really impressed was how “so mature for his age” he seemed.

Reid was already making protein shakes at just 14 years old in the dining hall.

Throughout his two years at Bishop Kearney, he maintained straight A’s and earned academic awards. He was known for doing homework while traveling (“which you don’t see very often,” Stockton noted).

On game days, Stockton could discuss strategies with him that “other kids at his age couldn’t grasp yet.” After seeing him play live, he “knew he was a special player immediately” because of how he could “impact the game both defensively and offensively.”

The captaincy came through unanimous support from teammates. Even players on the U18 squad called him “Captain Reider” due to how “well respected by everyone” he was.

He consistently helped tidy up after team meals, ensured cleanliness on bus rides, set up nets before practices started and collected pucks afterward. While Zambonis cleaned the ice post-practice, he’d still be out there sprinting.

“I literally wouldn’t have to even tell him. He was always like ‘Coach, I’ve got it’ and I’d be like ‘Yeah, I know you have it so I don’t have to worry about anything.’ That’s just who he is,” said Stockton. “I can’t say enough good things about Cam. He literally does everything right all around. He always went above and beyond. Plus he has an awesome personality; he’s more quiet but once engaged can chat about anything.”

In Kitchener too, Reid left quite an impression. Although NHL Central Scouting gave him a “B” rating (indicating a 2nd/3rd round candidate) on their preliminary watch list back in October last year, Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas predicted to The Athletic last summer that Reid would be drafted in the first round.

By midseason rankings they had placed him No. 27 among North American skaters eligible for this draft class. By season’s end however, this left-shot defenseman standing at nearly six feet tall (5-foot-11.75) weighing 193 pounds managed to rack up an impressive total of 54 points over 67 games-12 more than any other U18 defenseman in OHL competition-and finished plus-39; seventh-best among all OHL D-men while leading on Rangers roster stats too.

This current season saw Ahokas give him an “A” grade despite only being 17 (he also wore a letter during OHL Top Prospects Game).

The Rangers structure their season into twelve-game segments or “chapters.” At each chapter’s conclusion players are rewarded based on performance over those twelve games played together previously mentioned earlier segment victories were celebrated when they attended CHL USA Prospects Challenge game held up again supporting again featured prominently along side Cameron’s name..


Kitchener’s general manager Mike Mc Kenzie describes Reid as truly being “the complete package both on-and-off ice.”


No doubt off-ice attributes include maturity leadership ability character-“one of those guys people gravitate towards,” Mc Kenzie explained further adding; “He’s comfortable within himself even at young age.”

“His skating ability stands out most,” continued Mc Kenzie but added there’s also something else-a hidden competitive spirit lurking underneath surface almost unnoticed unless actively seeking it out:“You don’t notice it all time because plays smartly utilizing intelligence combined talent , yet possesses bite needed defend teammates stand ground battle hard competes fiercely driven individual”. Moreover when approached regarding height concerns many scouts suggest need bigger frame amongst defenders entering league Mc Kenzie conceded truth behind somewhat valid statement equally emphasized point made clear outweighs such measurements possess qualities found lacking elsewhere amongst peers able provide value otherwise ignored due lack size alone either way comes across positively every single shift consistently delivering strong showing regardless circumstances involved showing little signs off weaknesses throughout entire development process thus far.”

This shows perhaps distinctly proves further conclusions drawn highlight significantly varied skill sets available options plenty produce success whether translates higher level remains see demonstrated performance growth promised upcoming challenges awaiting ahead will ultimately dictate future trajectories existing relationships created under guidance providing support system necessary overcome obstacles presented diligently pursued endeavors tackled head-on dedicated excellence ultimately revealed lessons learned fostering stronger foundations built enduring promise life beyond simple statistics seen ice rink itself.. reaping rewards success gained through consistent efforts portrayed tangible evidence aligning core principles established early-on pave path ahead filled uncertainty yet hopefulness regard limitless possibilities..(((“Stockton deemed athletic capabilities also reflect hard work implemented rigorous training regimens led forth strength conditioning specialist Scott Paton stationed St Thomas Ontario progressively improving prowess seasons past few summers.”)))))

“He represents athlete goes above expectations lives by standards embraces requirements focusing wholeheartedly nurturing aspects strength nutrition hydration sleep important elements culminate toward peak conditions delivery poised stepping forward knowing increased appetite leads desire fuel body properly enhancing performance levels reaching new heights achieved previously thought unattainable normalizing respective routines becoming pivotal components integral overarching philosophy endorsed collectively nurtured developed alongside others striving greatness.. result attained reflects growth evident taken whole person approach indeed elevating playing career trajectory witnessed remarkable evolution manifested profound journey undertaken.” ))))))))))))]))) ((“Ultimately realization resulted influences provided surrounding environments help mold outcomes highlighting extraordinary potentials revealed rise amid adversity remain committed tirelessly pushing limits extending boundaries while pursuing aspirations fostering camaraderie connection build deeper understanding recognition inspires cultivate transformative experiences continue unfolding before very eyes.”)]))))))

(Pursuing success requires dedication effort clarity vision goals propelled forward momentum transforming dreams realities presented opportunities avail individuals ready seize chance make mark upon world stay focused maintaining positive outlook embracing challenges encountered enrich lives beyond sport..” ) {Note : Remain grounded celebrate achievements acknowledge setbacks learn grow become resilient adaptable responsive whatever life throws along way preserve sense humility kindness respect gratefulness toward each encounter step aligns aspiration path chosen moving onward upward!” }))/(Source linkSource link)

Cameron continues thrive demonstrating authentic authenticity resonating deeply showcasing determination building foundations ensuring ultimate achievements reflect true essence represented.