Recently, the Kitchener Rangers announced the dates and rosters for training camp, which will happen on Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29. They will have around 43 players on the ice in these two scrimmages, approximately 22 forwards, 14 defensemen, and seven goaltenders. These free-to-the-public scrimmages will showcase a ton of talent, including seven NHL draft picks, and an eighth who will not participate in the skates.
If they don’t get a shot in the NHL, the Rangers will likely expect these eight players to lead their team this season, and that starts with setting the pace at training camp. Let’s take a look at these guys with NHL draft pedigree and discuss the value they can bring to the Rangers this season.
Cameron Reid (D)
The Nashville Predators drafted Cameron Reid with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after putting up 54 points in 60 regular-season games for the Rangers last season. These 54 points ranked 10th among Ontario Hockey League (OHL) defensemen in the previous season, and his 12 goals ranked tied-sixth among defensemen.
With Reid selected 21st overall, he becomes the highest Ranger drafted in the NHL since Radek Faksa was drafted at 13th overall by the Dallas Stars. Reid is an exciting player to watch on the blue line. His speed allows him to close gaps on attackers quickly and get involved on offense. He has exceptional vision of the ice, with his 40 assists last season leading the way for the Rangers. When he is on the ice at training camp, you will notice his 200-foot impact.
Jack Pridham (F)
Jack Pridham played his first season with the Rangers last season after being drafted in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He started the season with the West Kelowna Warriors in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), and after putting up 10 points in 12 games, he was acquired by the Rangers. With him being picked up after the start of the season, he only got into 48 regular-season games. However, he made an impact right away and finished the season with 27 goals and 54 points, before adding another 13 points in 16 playoff games.
Pridham has a solid build, standing at 6-foot-1, and combines that size with elite speed, which makes him difficult to defend, and his powerful shot makes him a threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. Pridham was supposed to be off to Boston University to play in the NCAA with the Terriers. However, he has…
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