Reid and Novotný Aim to Shine on World Stage Ahead of 2026 NHL Draft

Along with the opportunity to represent their countries on the international stage, this year’s World Junior Championship also serves as a major platform for two OHL standouts, Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds/Team USA) and Adam Novotný (Peterborough Petes/Czechia), to elevate their stock ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. Both players are currently projected as first-round selections, and a strong tournament could further solidify their status among scouts.

 

Chase Reid, who currently sits third in scoring among OHL defencemen with 35 points (14-21–35), was the lone 17-year-old named to Team USA’s preliminary roster and one of only four players who did not participate in the program’s summer showcase. Now in his second season with the Soo Greyhounds, Reid has rapidly emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing young blueliners. After making the jump from the NAHL midway through last season, he posted an impressive 40 points (7-33–40) in 39 games, leading all OHL rookies in assists and earning a spot on the leagues first “All-Rookie Team” at the end of the year. 

 

Adam Novotný returns for his second World Junior appearance after helping Czechia secure bronze last year. In his first season with Peterborough, following his selection at eighth overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, he has quickly become the offensive engine of the Petes, leading the team in both goals and points (19-16–35). Through two preliminary games, Novotný has been playing on the wing of Czechia’s top line. 

 

“It’s a great opportunity,” Novotný said. “When you get to wear your national team’s jersey, it’s always a pleasure and I’m so excited.”

 

Both players will look to help their countries defend last year’s medal finishes, but the stakes extend well beyond national pride. With the eyes of NHL scouts fixed firmly on the tournament, Reid and Novotný have a chance to strengthen their draft resumes and test themselves against the best U20 players in the world. Round-robin action begins on Boxing Day, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in each player’s path to the NHL.

 

Upcoming Schedule:

Czechia vs. Canada (Dec. 26)

USA vs. Germany (Dec. 26)

 

Related Articles: 

• Four OHL players included on TSN’s Preseason Rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft  
• Seven OHL Players included in Elite Prospects’ preliminary 2026 NHL Draft rankings 
• Seventh-Round Steal: How Chase Reid has become one of the OHL’s top rookies

 

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As the official Canadian broadcast partners of the IIHF World Junior Championship, TSN and RDS will air select games featuring international teams. Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for full broadcast details.

 

For more information on the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit iihf.com ,or follow through social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok.