LW Reid Schaefer - Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL (2022, 32nd, EDM; traded to NSH)

[TheKingSlayer]

Would be surprised if he becomes an impact NHLer. Although, maybe he just sticks on a 4th line, specifically in Nashville, since they do well with energy types. I know Predators fans are happy getting the 1st that became Molendyk in that trade but Schaefer being a big part of the Ekholm return is underwhelming

For now... big boys take time to find their footing. Give him at least three years in the minors before writing him off.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

Would be surprised if he becomes an impact NHLer. Although, maybe he just sticks on a 4th line, specifically in Nashville, since they do well with energy types. I know Predators fans are happy getting the 1st that became Molendyk in that trade but Schaefer being a big part of the Ekholm return is underwhelming

With the Preds exceeding expectations on the ice this season, we sure could have used Ekholm on our blueline, which is becoming even more evident in the playoffs this year. We're very happy with how Molendyk is progressing. But Schaefer and our hoped-for-return-in-flipping-Barrie haven't panned out as well as initial expectations. There's still lots of time with Schaefer, but if he makes the NHL it's likely in a 4th line role, and we've never had trouble finding plugs to play those roles on the UFA scrapheap. So a lot of our hopes are riding on Molendyk now. The Oilers have to be thrilled with that trade.