A three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins, Letang has 537 points (127 goals, 410 assists) in 808 games, and his 0.66 points per game average is third among active defensemen with at least 400 games, after Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks (0.82) and John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars (0.68).
But offense isn't all Reid sees when he watches Letang.
"The biggest thing, I think, that he's really good at is not getting too offensive that he loses defensive responsibilities," Reid said. "I think that's why he's such a good player. I definitely want to mirror his offensive game, but at the same time not lose the defensive game."
That approach led Greg Moore, who coached Chicago before leaving to coach Toronto of the American Hockey League on Dec. 1, to see Reid as a gifted and tenacious player.
"That kid burns to be a hockey player," Moore said. "I've never seen somebody love the sport more than him. Constantly watching video, constantly studying the game, has a good growth mindset. Really dynamic skater; he can really get himself out of jams when he's under pressure as a defenseman, very elusive."
Reid said he prides himself on winning 1-on-1 battles to transition his team back to offense as quickly as possible. He tries to avoid the costly error by focusing on making a good first pass before joining the rush.
With his style of play, Moore said Reid is comparable to Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith. Reid has similar skating ability and body language to the three-time Stanley Cup champion, Moore said.
"Good hands, good skating," Moore said. "Can get himself out of tight spots. He can transition the game really well. He's a great defender. He defends hard. His footwork's good on a line rush and down low. So he's come a long way in the last year."
