It was a decade ago when Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl, and Sam Bennett emerged as the top prospects entering the 2014 NHL Draft. Little did anyone know that these four players would make history by all reaching the Stanley Cup Final together. This unique occurrence marks the first time in NHL history that the top four picks from a single draft will compete in the same championship series.
Ekblad, Reinhart, and Bennett are part of the Florida Panthers, while Draisaitl plays for the Edmonton Oilers. These players, who once posed for photos together in Philadelphia Phillies jerseys during the draft process, are now set to face off in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Florida.
The scouting accuracy of the 2014 draft has been commendable, with Ekblad going first to Florida, Reinhart second to Buffalo, Draisaitl third to Edmonton, and Bennett fourth to Calgary. These players have lived up to their expectations, with Draisaitl, Reinhart, and Ekblad ranking among the top players in games played from that draft class.
As they embark on this championship journey, the players reflect on their growth and achievements since being drafted. Draisaitl, a former MVP, acknowledges the learning process the Oilers have undergone to reach this point, while Ekblad expresses pride in the Panthers' transformation into perennial contenders.
For these players, the road to the Stanley Cup Final has been paved with hard work and dedication. From their early days as draft prospects to now competing for hockey's ultimate prize, Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl, and Bennett have come a long way. As they prepare to battle for the Cup, they carry with them the camaraderie forged a decade ago, symbolizing the enduring bond of their shared journey in the NHL.
With the stage set for an epic showdown, these players are poised to leave their mark on the Stanley Cup Final and etch their names in hockey history.
