Islanders select blueliner Matthew Schaefer with No. 1 pick in 2025 NHL draft
Matthew Schaefer, a talented 17-year-old defenceman from the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League, was the first overall pick by the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL draft. Despite not playing since December due to a broken collarbone sustained while representing Canada at the world junior hockey championship, Schaefer was highly touted as the top selection for months leading up to the draft.
The emotional moment for Schaefer, just steps away from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was bittersweet as he expressed missing his mother, Jennifer, who tragically passed away from breast cancer in February 2024. The young player’s journey has been marked by personal loss, including the death of his billet mom and mentor Jim Waters, the owner of the Otters, who passed away from a heart attack.
Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 186 pounds, Schaefer possesses elite skills on both ends of the ice, making him a valuable addition to the Islanders’ roster. The organization made moves prior to selecting Schaefer, including trading defenceman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and the 16th and 17th overall picks.
The draft also saw notable selections, with the San Jose Sharks picking forward Michael Misa as the second overall choice. Misa, a six-foot-one centre from Oakville, led the CHL in goals and points while playing for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. The Chicago Blackhawks selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell at third overall, followed by Caleb Desnoyers to the Utah Mammoth, Brady Martin to the Nashville Predators, and Porter Martone to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The NHL introduced a decentralized draft format for the first time, allowing teams to make selections remotely, similar to the NFL and NBA. This change was well-received, with the Vancouver Canucks holding the highest Canadian club selection at No. 15. The draft will continue with rounds two through seven on Saturday, with uncertainty surrounding the format for next year’s event.
This year’s draft showcased the next generation of hockey talent, with Schaefer leading the pack as the top pick and looking to make a significant impact in the NHL with the New York Islanders.
