Nashville Predators recall intriguing top prospect ahead of facing Chicago Blackhawks Friday

Forward Reid Schaefer was drafted 32nd overall in the 1st round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.

As a result of a trade for defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a sixth-round pick in 2024.

The Predators would receive Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, a 2023 1st-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick in return.

per PuckPedia"

Since then, Schaefer has been stuck in the AHL playing with the Predators' affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

In the beginning of their retool, the team has opened up spots by injury or accident for young players to grab the reins.

One of them will have a chance to do that tonight against the Blackhawks. Can Reid Schaefer take advantage of a poor situation in Nashville?

Schaefer, a 32nd overall pick by the Oilers, has played his entire professional hockey career in Milwaukee with the Admirals. Tonight, he will be able to show what he's made of against Connor Bedard and a Blackhawks team that needs a win.

He'll have to put 96 games and 49 points (10-30) scored in AHL experience up against Jeff Blashill and the Blackhawks, who were one of the best teams in the Central Division this season.

The Blackhawks will need to figure out a player who can excel on both sides of the puck and can offer the Predators net-front presence. That is, if they choose to use him that way. His ability to create plays and his wrist shot will be something blueliners will have to watch for in the United Center tonight.

The Blackhawks should be hungry, going 0-4-0 in their last four, in a losing streak that has us concerned.

Can they shut down Reid Schaefer?