On a memorable Friday night at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, the New York Islanders made a significant move in the 2025 NHL Draft by selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the coveted No. 1 overall pick. At just 17 years old, Schaefer, a standout blueliner from Hamilton, Ontario, who played for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), has already carved out a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in hockey.
Schaefer's journey to the top of the draft was marked by both remarkable skill and poignant personal adversity. Despite a shortened 2024-25 season in which he played only 17 games due to a bout of glandular fever and a broken collarbone sustained at the 2025 World Junior Championships, Schaefer's impact on the ice was undeniable. He posted an impressive stat line with seven goals and 22 points, showcasing his elite puck-moving ability and two-way game that many scouts praised throughout the season.
Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche expressed his enthusiasm for the pick, stating, "Matthew the hockey player is outstanding. The human being is as outstanding as the hockey player. We're so excited to have him here." Schaefer's skill set is indeed exceptional; NHL Central Scouting highlighted his defensive prowess, elite skating, gap control, and offensive instincts, noting that he "has a great feel for the game and knows when to make a simple play, when to block a shot and how to get the job done. His puck retrievals are on point, he can skate his way out of trouble and capably lead the rush offensively. He quarterbacks the power play and is an offensive threat to score or set up teammates."
His selection also places Schaefer in an elite category as just the fifth defenseman to be chosen No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft since 2000, joining the ranks of Owen Power (2021), Rasmus Dahlin (2018), Aaron Ekblad (2014), and Erik Johnson (2006). Moreover, he is the second Erie Otter to be drafted first overall, following NHL superstar Connor McDavid in 2015, and just the seventh defenseman from the OHL to earn this distinction.
Beyond his on-ice accomplishments, Schaefer's personal story resonates deeply. He lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in early 2024, a tragedy that profoundly affected him. At the draft ceremony, Schaefer was visibly emotional, expressing, "You wait for this moment your whole life. I wish my mom could be here but I know she's with me in spirit." The Islanders organization honored his mother’s memory by adding a pink ribbon patch with her initials "J.S." to his jersey, a gesture Schaefer said, "really means a lot. Cancer sucks, and it's not fun. She didn't feel the best, but she was always the happiest in the family. She would do anything for us." This heartfelt tribute underscores the character and resilience Schaefer brings to the game.
Schaefer's draft night was part of a dynamic first round that saw several notable selections and trades. The San Jose Sharks took high-scoring center Michael Misa second overall. Misa, an 18-year-old Canadian forward who captained the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, had an explosive 2024-25 season with 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games. Sharks general manager Mike Grier commented on the pick, saying, "We just thought it was a perfect fit with what we already have here. Another guy to step in and be a nightmare matchup for people." Misa’s blend of scoring ability and defensive awareness positions him as a formidable addition to the Sharks’ roster.
Following Misa, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell third overall. At 6-foot-2, Frondell impressed in Sweden's second division with Djurgårdens IF, tallying 11 goals and 14 assists in 29 games during the 2024-25 season. He becomes the eighth Swedish player to be a top-three NHL draft pick, joining a prestigious group that includes Victor Hedman and the Sedin twins.
The draft also featured strategic moves by teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers selected forward Porter Martone sixth overall before trading up to secure center Jack Nesbitt at 12th overall, a 6-foot-4 prospect from the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. The Penguins were particularly active, controlling three picks in the top 24 and executing two trades to draft three forwards, including Calgary Hitmen center Benjamin Kindel at 11th overall and Michigan center William Horcoff at 24th.
Other notable first-round picks included Boston Bruins’ selection of Boston College center James Hagens seventh overall, a pick announced with a fun nod to Boston native Adam Sandler. Hagens is known for his finesse, playmaking, and excellent vision on the ice. The Seattle Kraken chose playmaking forward Jake O'Brien eighth overall, while the Anaheim Ducks took a chance on 6-foot-5 forward Roger McQueen at tenth overall, despite concerns about a back injury.
The 2025 NHL Draft was also distinctive for its decentralized format, with most team executives attending remotely and draft picks participating via video conferencing. This modern approach reflected ongoing changes in how the NHL conducts its marquee events.
Matthew Schaefer’s selection marks a significant milestone for both the New York Islanders and the Erie Otters franchise. The Otters now join an elite group of CHL clubs with multiple No. 1 overall picks, a testament to their development program's strength. Schaefer’s blend of skill, leadership, and personal resilience makes him a beacon of hope for Islanders fans eager to see their team rise in the coming years.
As Schaefer prepares to turn 18 this September, the hockey world eagerly anticipates his transition to the professional ranks. Comparisons to players like Rasmus Dahlin, who made an immediate NHL impact after being drafted first overall, are already circulating. With his combination of size, skating, and hockey IQ, Schaefer is poised to become a cornerstone defenseman and a future leader in the NHL.
The 2025 NHL Draft’s opening night was filled with promise, surprises, and heartfelt moments. While Schaefer’s story stood out as a highlight, the depth of talent and strategic maneuvering across the first round set an exciting stage for the future of the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these young stars begin their professional journeys.
