Did NY Islanders' top pick Matthew Schaefer's spotlight get stolen by past and future draft stars?

Through the first week of the NHL season, Matthew Schaefer has been one of the league's most compelling players. Despite being the first overall pick by the NY Islanders this summer, nobody could truly say that they expected these performances so quickly.

At the start of his draft year, Schaefer wasn't considered the top prospect. That honor belonged to Long Island native James Hagens, who was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins.

Schaefer is the shadow of past and future stars?

This year's draft crop wasn't considered among the best we've seen over the past few years in terms of depth or quality at the top of the draft compared to years past or drafts to come. Though he was the consensus top prospect come draft day, there wasn't as much fanfare surrounding him as in previous years. So has Matthew Schaefer been overshadowed by past and present stars entering this season?

Over the last two drafts, we saw Connor Bedard and Macklin Cellebrini as the first overall picks. Bedard was the most touted prospect since Connor McDavid, poised to be a generational talent. Last season, Cellebrini was the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner for the top player in the NCAA, playing as the youngest player in the nation and a potential Selke Trophy winner at some point in his career.

Next season, Gavin McKenna, who is expected to go first overall, has had the spotlight on him for some years. Now, playing in the NCAA with Penn State, he's receiving more recognition within the United States, all while competing against stiffer competition compared to the WHL.

For the 2027 Draft, Landon DuPont of the Everett Silvertips in the WHL has been turning heads, finishing with 60 points (17 G, 43 A) as a 15-year-old defenseman last year.

When Schaefer reported for NHL training camp last month, it wasn't even a guarantee that he'd play in the NHL full-time this season. Playing just 17 games last year, it was thought he might benefit more by returning to juniors for another season.

So perhaps his predecessors and future top picks overshadowed Schaefer, but the 18-year-old is making the most of his opportunity and taking the league by storm. Now he has the brightest lights on him on the biggest stage right now, and there is nobody more deserving.