Predators' Cole O'Hara describes 'surreal' NHL debut, first point with Steven Stamkos
· Yahoo Sports
It took Cole O'Hara just 10 minutes to record his first NHL point.
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Midway through the first period in the Nashville Predators' season finale on April 16, O'Hara forced a turnover in the Anaheim Ducks zone, then passed to Steven Stamkos in the left circle. Stamkos fired a quick wrist shot by Ville Husso to tie the game, giving O'Hara his first NHL assist.
"A really cool experience, something I'll remember for a long time," O'Hara told reporters at Bridgestone Arena after the 5-4 loss. "It was nice to have Stamkos put that one in."
For Stamkos, it was business as usual − his 632rd goal and his 1,253rd NHL point. But he recognized the moment, celebrating with O'Hara on the ice.
"It was really cool to experience that and be part of the history of his career," Stamkos said.
O'Hara, who scored 19 goals and 25 assists in 65 games with the AHL's Admirals this season, was recalled from Milwaukee earlier in the day. With the Predators dealing with several injuries at forward, O'Hara found out after morning skate he'd be making his NHL debut. He also learned he'd be playing on the top line with Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly.
"Kind of a surreal moment, I just wanted to make the most of it," O'Hara said. "Embrace it and stay in the moment. I think I did a good job of that tonight."
O'Hara signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Predators in April 2025 after a three-year collegiate career at UMass. He was originally selected by Nashville in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
A 6-foot, 187-pound right-handed winger, O'Hara was impressive against the Ducks. He had one assist, one shot, and two hits in 11:23, plus a few moments where he showcased his best asset: speed and vision with the puck.
"It's definitely a lot faster," O'Hara said of the elevated level of play in the NHL. "The (defensemen) are moving up the ice fast, they move the puck quick. So lots of adjustments for me, but I just tried to embrace it."
His plan over the summer is to learn from this experience, build on it, and use it to help his chances in training camp.
"Just take what I've learned from (O'Reilly), who did a lot of talking to me tonight, and (Stamkos). Listen to what they have to say and come in next year and prove my (roster) spot."
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at[email protected]. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators' Cole O'Hara describes 'surreal' NHL debut