The NY Islanders sign Matthew Schaefer to an ELC

Just as he’s preparing to throw out the first pitch at tonight’s Mets game, the NY Islanders have announced that Matthew Schaefer has signed his entry-level contract worth $975k over three years. 

The first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the fourth player selected at the top of the draft in the Islanders' history, doesn’t turn 18 until September 15th. Meaning less than a month after his 18th birthday, he could play along the blue line in the NHL.

Schaefer signs with the Isles

Schaefer, who played in only 19 games last season between his time with the Erie Otters of the OHL and Team Canada in the World Junior Chanpionship, hasn’t seen the ice much since December. With so little hockey played over the last eight months, questions have emerged regarding what the Islanders had planned for their top pick.

One of those options was spending next season developing in the NCAA, but that option is now out the window as players are ineligible for College Hockey after signing their ELC.

Now, Schaefer will either spend the season with the Islanders or back in Erie. The Isles will have the option to give him a nine-game look in the NHL before returning him to Erie without burning a year off his ELC.

Wearing No. 71 at rookie camp, Schaefer had said that he hoped he’d receive the No. 48 sweater, but that was occupied by Matthew Maggio. First revealed in a jersey swap tonight with Brandon Nimmo of the Mets, the Islanders have since confirmed that Schaefer will be wearing his No. 48.