3 options of where to play next season for NY Islanders top pick Matthew Schaefer

The NY Islanders have had what many would consider a successful off-season to this point, with much of the hype surrounding first overall pick Matthew Schaefer.

The 17-year-old is viewed as the building block for the franchise's future, but Mathieu Darche and the Islanders have a massive decision to make regarding where Schaefer will play hockey next season.

As it stands, the Islanders have three options for Schaefer for the 2025-26 season.

Spend the season with the Islanders

The last first overall pick not to play in the NHL immediately was Owen Power in 2021, who elected to return to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season.

Schaefer has made it clear that his goal is to play with the Islanders this season - as it should be.

Schaefer has not played much hockey over the last year, and jumping from junior hockey as a 16-year-old, to a ten-month hiatus after injury, straight to the NHL, is a massive jump - one that might not be wise for the Islanders.

On the other hand, he could gain valuable experience adapting to th rigors of an NHL season, but he would need to be in the lienup every night, something he may not be ready for at this point.

Return to the OHL

Playing another season of junior hockey gives the Islanders some flexibility. It allows Schaefer to play nine games in the NHL without his ELC kicking in, before being returned to the Erie Otters.

Last season, Schaefer had registered 22 points in 17 games with Erie before breaking his collarbone in the second game of the WJC.

Another season in the OHL would allow Schaefer to be a leader and one of the league's top players before making the full-time jump to the NHL for the 2025-26 season.

Spend a season in the NCAA

Playing college hockey next season gives the Islanders the least amount of flexibility, but could be the best option for Schaefer’s development.

NCAA competition is a step above the OHL and would allow Schaefer to gain a better feel for the speed and physicality of the NHL.

Two options could be the University of Denver under David Carle or Boston University under Jay Pandolfo - both excellent institutions.

By taking the collegiate route, Schaefer would be ineligible to sign his ELC, meaning a decision would have to be made before training camp.

It’s hard to imagine the first overall pick not taking the ice on opening night, but Schaefer turns 18 only a month before the season starts, meaning he still has plenty of time to develop his game.