As anticipated, the New York Islanders have chosen defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the primary total decide of the 2025 NHL Draft. Schaefer is the primary defenseman chosen first total since Owen Energy in 2021 and solely the sixth defenseman to attain this because the 1992 NHL Draft, when the Ottawa Senators chosen Chris Phillips.
Regardless of enjoying on the other facet of the blue line, Schaefer’s presence on the prime of the draft order made buying and selling Noah Dobson all of the extra palatable for the Islanders. They’ll now have a youthful defenseman with the next ceiling, whereas buying extra belongings in return.
Nonetheless, Schaefer is just not your typical first total choice, and there’s no questioning that the Islanders are making a chance. Resulting from a damaged collarbone suffered through the 2024-25 World Junior Championships, Schaefer completed the season with seven targets and 22 factors in 17 video games with the OHL’s Erie Otters.
Having that degree of harm concern is rarely ultimate coming into your draft yr, however a collarbone fracture shouldn’t carry any long-term points. His expertise speaks for itself, and that’s the precise purpose he was chosen as this summer season’s prime choice.
Resulting from his lack of enjoying time all through the 2024-25 season, Schaefer turns into an train in scouting uncooked expertise for the NHL degree. With none shadow of a doubt, he has the capabilities to grow to be a top-pairing defenseman long run.
Of their 2025 NHL Draft Information, Elite Prospects broke down Schaefer’s expertise completely, saying:
“Schaefer controls video games from the again finish, making the play movement by way of him. An elite puck-rusher, he takes off from behind his web, utilizing it as a defend in opposition to the forecheck, and traverses the defensive zone with just a few lengthy strides. He spots teammates in each course, making each one-touch performs and elaborate, misleading feeds. Attacking down, he grabs the highlight and attracts opponents to him, earlier than turning and relaying the puck throughout.“
