SUNRISE, Fla. — In a thrilling twist, prospective top NHL draft picks Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, James Hagens, and Jake O’Brien experienced a moment to remember at the Florida Panthers’ facility. The young talents, soon to hear their names during the NHL draft, were surprised on Monday morning by none other than seasoned player Brad Marchand. Over breakfast, the 37-year-old veteran regaled the group with tales and insights, just hours ahead of the Florida Panthers’ showdown with the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The encounter left a significant impression on the rookies. Schaefer shared a poignant moment, remarking on how he initially thought it would be a quick hello but ended up in a lively discussion with Marchand about the draft and scouting experiences. “Marchand was laughing about not attending the scouting combine,” Schaefer recounted. “I pointed out, ‘Look where you are now: in the Stanley Cup Final.'”
The prospects’ day didn’t end with Marchand. They also rubbed shoulders with notable players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, witnessing the Oilers’ morning practice. Schaefer recalled a previous meeting with McDavid, back in January, during a special ceremony in Erie where McDavid’s iconic No. 97 jersey was retired by the Ontario Hockey League’s Otters. Comparing this recent encounter, Schaefer noted it was far less nerve-wracking.
“In January, speaking at McDavid’s jersey retirement caught me off guard,” Schaefer remembered, humorously adding, “I ended up just saying, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Not something you hear often directed at an NHL superstar.”
As the draft approaches, Schaefer stands as NHL Central Registry’s leading prospect. Yet, some debate persists over whether Schaefer, Misa, or Hagens will be chosen first by the New York Islanders, who recently secured the draft lottery win. Hagens, a native of Long Island and avid Islanders fan, noticed local support, even spotting a “Bring Hagens home” bumper sticker. Regardless, Hagens maintains a pragmatic view.
“I want to be with a team that values me most,” he expressed, optimism in his voice. “I’m eager to join any team that selects me, though, naturally, there’s a thrill in potentially being the top pick.”
Elsewhere, fans were reassured when Edmonton’s long-standing team member, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, took to the ice after being a last-minute inclusion. His presence was uncertain due to an undisclosed injury preventing him from practicing on Sunday.
Meanwhile, despite concerns over Florida Panthers’ captain Aleksander Barkov’s performance, coach Paul Maurice maintained a playful demeanor. Barkov, who had failed to score in the first two games, dealt with a minus-4 rating. However, Maurice lightheartedly suggested they might “trade” him before clarifying his calmness about the situation.
Barkov, who triumphed with a third Selke Trophy for his exceptional defensive forwarding, contributed significantly in last year’s Game 7 by holding McDavid scoreless, culminating in the Panthers’ first-ever Stanley Cup championship.