The 2022 NHL Draft saw a lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan achieve his dream of being drafted by his hometown team, only to discover that sometimes the path to success runs through unfamiliar territory.
What seemed like heartbreak might have been the best thing that ever happened to his career.
Why Was Reid Schaefer Shocked by the Edmonton Trade?
The Edmonton Oilers selected forward Reid Schaefer with the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and it appeared as though it would be a perfect fit for him, considering that he grew up supporting the team. However, his time with the franchise was cut short after he was included in a trade package to the Nashville Predators on February 28, 2023, that sent defenseman Mattias Ekholm to the Oilers in return.
While it may have been a difficult reality to be traded in the NHL at such a young age, Schaefer admits that it was ultimately a blessing in disguise for him. Schaefer, who has been playing in the Predators organization with the American Hockey League affiliate Milwaukee Admirals since the trade, has yet to officially play a shift at the NHL level in regular-season play.
He recently spoke about the trade that sent him from the Oilers to the Predators, admitting that he was “shocked” at first. “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.
How Did the Nashville Trade Actually Help Schaefer’s Development?
In Schaefer’s mind, the trade ultimately worked out for him because there is more opportunity for internal growth with a team like Nashville, as opposed to Edmonton. The Oilers’ championship aspirations meant limited roster spots for young prospects, while the Predators offered a clearer pathway to the NHL.
“I think there’s more opportunity for me in Nashville, a quicker route to the NHL, where Edmonton’s in a win-now mode,” he said. “I mean it sucked (the trade) at first, but looking back, it’s a blessing in disguise.”
Schaefer’s performance with the Milwaukee Admirals has validated his optimism about the trade. He potted seven goals with 14 assists in 63 games played in his first season with the Admirals, but was limited to just 19 games in the 2024-25 season. His offensive flair was on display during that short time, as he scored eight goals in the 19 games he played, while adding six assists.
Unfortunately, he re-aggravated a previous shoulder injury in December that caused him to miss the remainder of the campaign. The injury had been a persistent issue that finally required surgery.
