On Friday, the New York Islanders made history by selecting 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL draft. Schaefer, from Hamilton, Ontario, joins the team after a standout two-season tenure with the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League. His selection marks the fifth time a defenseman has been chosen first overall since 2000, following similar picks in recent years.
Although Schaefer only played 17 games last season due to a collarbone injury, his exceptional skill and competitiveness on the ice led to his high draft position. His resilience was further highlighted by personal tragedies, including the recent deaths of the Otters’ owner and his billet family’s mother, as well as his mother’s passing from cancer. Despite these challenges, Schaefer’s dedication and performance earned him the top draft spot.
With the new decentralized draft format, the 32 NHL teams are participating from various locations, marking a shift from the traditional centralized draft held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The Islanders’ first-place pick in the draft lottery added to the significance of Schaefer’s selection, as the field of talent was diverse and not dominated by a single lock for the top pick.