Oilers notebook: We hardly knew ye, Reid Schaefer
Funny you should ask.
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The former Edmonton Oilers first-round draft pick, part of the trade package along with Tyson Barrie to get defenceman Mattias Ekholm from Nashville in 2023—the most impactful trade move of former GM Ken Holland's five-year tenure here—is healthy now after shoulder surgery last season while the left-winger, 21, was playing on the top line in AHL Milwaukee.
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Schaefer, who was at Rogers Place last June for games 2 and 5 of the Stanley Cup Final series against Florida, was only part of the Oilers organization for eight months but he's never left fan status, growing up in Spruce Grove. But realistically, Schaefer, at Perry Pearn's annual 3-on-3 pro camp here, is likely in a better place in Nashville, trying to get to the NHL, than here after two straight Cup runs by Edmonton.
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'I was a little shocked at first. I've been an Oilers' fan for a long time (sweaters all around his house). I was pretty thrilled to be part of that organization but looking back, being part of the Ekholm trade it was a win-win for me,' said Schaefer, who was the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 July draft and dealt to Nashville Feb. 28, 2023.
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'I think there's more opportunity for me in Nashville, a quicker route to the NHL, where Edmonton's in a win-now mode.
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'I mean it sucked at first but looking back it's a blessing in disguise,' said Schaefer, whose dad Jeremy played junior in Medicine Hat for Pearn and was drafted by Boston and Reid's cousin is long-time NHLer Colin Fraser.
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The Predators are clearly in transition. They signed a raft of older free-agents last summer—Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei—to try and stay Cup relevant but the bottom fell out and they missed the playoffs. They need some younger people, which could be all good for Schaefer.
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Pearn, who's had Schaefer for a few years at his summer camp, clearly sees that he's making meaningful strides.
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'I think his skating has improved. It's apparent that he's done that work. He's definitely quicker and his size (6'4' and 223 pounds) allows him to win battles where you don't have to win races,' said the long-time NHL assistant coach.
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