Using the second pick they acquired in the previous trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Kraken select in the third round defenseman Will Reynolds from the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (soon to become the Newfoundland Regiment as they relocate before the 2025-2026 season). From Fredericton, New Brunswick, the 6’3″, 182 lb. defenseman has earned 14 points in 64 games with the Titan.
EliteProspects.com’s Take
One of the youngest players in the draft, with room to fill out, Reynolds already boasts a few professional-level defensive abilities. Reading opposing breakouts and timing himself with the play, he pinches on opponents as they receive the puck, nullifying rushes. His aggressive approach does lead to some misses, but Reynolds has the edgework needed to catch up to attackers and push them to the outside anyway…
…The next step for Reynolds is developing his puck-moving game. He can separate opponents from the puck, but extends his time spent defending when he can’t pass it around the forecheck to open teammates. If he can develop his poise, handling, and passing skills, he could become a bottom-pairing NHL insulator.
Elite Prospects Draft Guide 2025
Our Take
Compared to drafting Fiddler at 36, choosing Reynolds at 68 feels like a reach. In draft boards, he doesn’t appear in the top 120. While defensemen are a need for the Kraken, it seems like the Kraken are banking on a potential for Reynolds that prospect analysts haven’t picked up on. The Elite Prospects Draft Guide mentions his upside as being a third-pair defenseman. While there is a role for that, it still feels like they could’ve gone for more value in the early 3rd round of the draft. My hope is that I’m made to eat my words and his ceiling is higher than anticipated, but this is a prospect that’s likely going to take time to develop in both the QMJHL and the AHL.