The Los Angeles Kings could be looking to add top-end talent for their defense in the 2025 NHL Draft. The group of prospects on this part of the roster has gotten pretty thin after the recent call ups of players like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence the past few seasons.
One of the players that could be a good fit is Cameron Reid, who likely will be available towards the end of the first round if the LA Kings want to go that direction.
Cameron Reid Stats
Cameron Reid has played the past two seasons in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers and was named alternate captain this past season. He made notable improvements as he went from an average of 0.47 points per game his first year with the Rangers to 0.81 points per game.
This past season, he would have 14 goals and 40 assists in 67 games while adding in five more assists in 14 playoff games. It was an impressive improvement for a defenseman like Reid and is one of the reasons he has the chance to hear his name in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Cameron Reid Scouting Report
The scouting report on Neutral Zone describes a player who should fit in well into the NHL:
"Cameron Reid is a complete, two-way defenseman who excels in transition and possesses the poise, mobility, and offensive creativity needed for the modern NHL. With continued development, particularly in his physical and defensive game, Reid could become a key contributor on a team’s top four and power play units. His current trajectory and skill set make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft."
Cameron Reid Highlights
Why the Los Angeles Kings would draft Cameron Reid in the 2025 NHL Draft
On the surface, it would appear that Reid isn't the type of defenseman that the Los Angeles Kings are looking for. The recent reports are that the Kings could be moving Jordan Spence because they have Brandt Clarke, who is more of a mobile defenseman, and might want more physicality.
However, these are the types of players that are going to excel in the NHL and even with players like Brandt Clarke already within the organization, it makes perfect sense for them to draft Reid. The other reason is that he is a left-handed defenseman and might not necessarily compete with Clarke for ice time but be a long-term replacement for Drew Doughty.