NY Islanders select defenseman Matthew Schaefer first in 2025 NHL draft
The 2025 NHL draft saw the New York Islanders select defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the No. 1 overall pick. At just 17 years old, Schaefer stands at an impressive 6-foot-2 and hails from Hamilton, Ontario. He honed his skills over the past two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters.
Despite playing only 17 games last year due to a collarbone injury, Schaefer’s exceptional performance on both offense and defense catapulted him to the top of most draft boards. He joins the ranks of just five defensemen selected as the No. 1 pick since 2000, following in the footsteps of Owen Power who went to Buffalo in 2021.
Schaefer’s journey to becoming the top pick was marked by personal tragedy. His mother, Jennifer, passed away from cancer 16 months ago, and he also endured the recent losses of the Otters’ owner, Jim Waters, and his billet family’s mother. Despite these challenges, Schaefer’s resilience shone through as he pulled on the Islanders’ sweater for the first time, kissing the pink ribbon patch symbolizing breast cancer awareness before being overcome with emotion.
The San Jose Sharks secured the second pick, with the Chicago Blackhawks following at third in the decentralized draft held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The Islanders’ lottery win set the stage for a draft brimming with talent, with Schaefer emerging as the standout choice.
Unlike traditional drafts, this year’s event was devoid of the centralized format, with team executives participating remotely from home. The shift in dynamics did not diminish the excitement and anticipation surrounding the draft, as teams eagerly awaited their picks and the next wave of NHL talent.
As the hockey world celebrates Schaefer’s milestone achievement, fans are eager to see how the young defenseman will make his mark in the NHL. The 2025 draft may have been unconventional, but it set the stage for a new chapter in the league’s history, with Schaefer leading the charge for a new generation of hockey stars.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital, bringing his expertise from previous roles at ESPN and Business Insider. With a portfolio that includes coverage of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, as well as interviews with sports icons like Usain Bolt and Rob Gronkowski, Jackson is well-equipped to deliver top-notch sports content. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in sports news by following Fox News Digital and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
