NY Islanders select defenseman Matthew Schaefer No. 1 overall at 2025 NHL Draft

The New York Islanders made franchise history Friday night, selecting Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft at The Peacock Theatre in LA.

Schaefer, 17, becomes the fifth player in Islanders history to be taken with the top selection following Billy Harris (1972), Denis Potvin (1973), Rick DiPietro (2000), and John Tavares (2009).

Schaefer's stock climbed and was the consensus top-ranked prospect heading into the draft. Earlier this month, he was honored with the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award and secured the No. 1 ranking among North American skaters from NHL Central Scouting.

Schaefer’s impact on the ice this season was undeniable, despite a shortened campaign due to injury. In just 17 games, he recorded 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) and posted a remarkable +21 rating. He is widely viewed as a dynamic, left-shot defenseman known for his elite skating, smooth puck handling, and high hockey IQ. Standing 6-foot-1, he blends mobility with defensive awareness, making him effective in both transition and shutdown roles.

Off the ice, he has showcased a maturity well beyond his years in how he has handled the death of his mother, whom he lost after a battle with cancer. "I think my mom's going to go right into my head when I get picked because, you know, I wish she could be here," said Schaefer. "So, yeah, there's definitely going to be a lot of things that play a part in it, but it's more happy tears than anything."

The selection marks an inflection point for the franchise under the new leadership of General Manager and Executive VP Mathieu Darche, who wasn't hired until days after the Islanders had won the Draft Lottery. Schaefer will participate in the team's development camp, which begins on June 30, as the organization decides whether he is ready to make the jump to the NHL this season.