LOS ANGELES, CA – In a moment that sent reverberations throughout the National Hockey League, the New York Islanders have selected standout defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, held Friday in Los Angeles. This landmark decision marks a pivotal point for the Islanders franchise, injecting a highly touted prospect with elite potential into their defensive core.
Schaefer, a gifted 17-year-old hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, has long been on the radar of NHL scouts. The towering 6-foot-2, 186-pound rearguard showcased his exceptional talents with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where his blend of smooth skating, intelligent puck-moving capabilities, and burgeoning defensive acumen made him the consensus top prospect in this year’s deep draft class. His ability to transition the puck efficiently out of his own zone and contribute offensively while maintaining a strong presence in his own end has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s premier defensemen.
This selection ends a lengthy wait for the Islanders, who last held the top spot in the draft back in 2009. They secured the No. 1 pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5th, a stroke of luck that has now allowed them to acquire a potential franchise cornerstone in Matthew Schaefer.
Schaefer’s journey to this pinnacle moment has been underscored by significant personal adversity. He has tragically navigated the loss of his mother to breast cancer, as well as the passing of his billet mother and the owner of his Erie Otters team within the past year. Additionally, a broken collarbone limited his on-ice action this past season to just 17 games. Despite these considerable challenges, Schaefer’s resilience and unwavering talent shone through. He maintained his No. 1 ranking by NHL Central Scouting and was deservedly honored with the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award, a testament to his exceptional skill and character.
The emotion of the moment was palpable as Schaefer stepped onto the draft stage. Clad in his newly issued New York Islanders jersey, he touchingly kissed a cancer awareness ribbon, a poignant tribute to his late mother. This heartfelt gesture resonated deeply with the audience and underscored the personal significance of this achievement. In his post-selection remarks, a visibly moved Schaefer expressed his profound gratitude to the Islanders organization for the faith they have shown in him, vowing to work tirelessly and prove their decision was the right one.
The Islanders’ activity in the first round didn’t end with the selection of Schaefer. In a significant trade that signals a strategic reshaping of their defense, they dealt established defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two additional first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 17). With these newly acquired selections, the Islanders further bolstered their prospect pool by adding Swedish forward Victor Eklund and another promising defenseman, Kashawn Aitcheson, indicating a clear focus on building a strong foundation for the future.
The acquisition of Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 overall represents a bold and exciting move for the New York Islanders. His unique skillset and high character offer the promise of a long and impactful career on Long Island. As he embarks on his NHL journey, Islanders fans have every reason to be optimistic about the dawn of a new era led by this exceptional young talent. The hockey world will be watching closely to see how Matthew Schaefer develops and contributes to the Islanders’ quest for future success.
