The New York islanders made a franchise-altering selection Friday night, taking defenseman Matthew <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/28/order-of-selection-for-2025-nhl-draft/” title=”Breaking: 2025 NHL Draft First Round Order & Picks”>schaefer with the first overall pick in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. The highly touted blueliner from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) was the consensus top prospect heading into the unique decentralized draft event held at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This marks a significant moment for both the Islanders, who earned the top selection via the draft lottery, and for Schaefer, whose journey to the top pick has been defined by exceptional talent and profound personal resilience.
A Coveted Prospect Joins the Islanders
At 6-foot-2 and 186 pounds, Matthew Schaefer possesses the ideal frame for a modern NHL defenseman. He was consistently ranked as the top North American skater by NHL Central Scouting throughout the season. Scouts laud his complete game, highlighting his exceptional skating ability as a cornerstone of his effectiveness. This allows him to control gaps defensively, escape pressure with ease, and confidently lead the rush transitionally.
Beyond skating, Schaefer is praised for his high hockey IQ and decision-making. He knows when to make simple plays and when to push the pace. On the power play, he acts as a dual threat, capable of finding seams to set up teammates or firing pucks himself. His competitive drive and size enable him to defend effectively against top opponents, projecting him as a potential shutdown defender at the highest level. Many experts see him as an elite-skating No. 1 defenseman and a future cornerstone for the Islanders franchise, possibly even a captain down the road.
Overcoming Adversity on the Path to No. 1
Schaefer’s draft year was far from smooth sailing. His season with the Erie Otters was significantly limited by health issues. He missed the first nine games after contracting mononucleosis. Later, while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in December, he suffered a broken clavicle. This injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of Erie’s regular season (46 games) and their nine OHL playoff contests.
Despite playing only 17 OHL games, where he tallied 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and an impressive plus-21 rating, his performance in earlier viewings, such as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, solidified his status. Scouts and team executives were not deterred by the limited sample size. They recognized his rare combination of skill, intelligence, and character. His ability to perform at a high level when healthy, coupled with positive assessments from the NHL Scouting Combine (where he was medically cleared for contact), gave teams confidence he was worth the top selection.
Schaefer’s resilience extends far beyond the ice. In the months leading up to the draft, he navigated immense personal loss. He lost his billet mother, his team owner, and, most significantly, his mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in February 2024 after a two-year battle. Schaefer has spoken openly about channeling his grief into strength, inspired by his mother’s unwavering positive spirit while she fought her illness.
A Draft Night Filled with Emotion
The emotional weight of Schaefer’s journey was palpable on draft night. He wore a suit jacket lined with photos of his family, including pictures of his late mother. Upon receiving his New York Islanders jersey from Commissioner Gary Bettman, Schaefer immediately kissed a pink ribbon patch on the chest, symbolizing breast cancer awareness and honoring his mother. He later told reporters his mother is always with him in spirit and has a “front-row seat” to every game he plays, noting he now plays for her. His willingness to share his story and desire to help other young people dealing with loss further highlighted the exceptional character that complements his on-ice talent.
Schaefer’s selection marks him as a rare talent. He is just the fifth defenseman chosen first overall in the NHL Draft since 2000, joining a distinguished list that includes Owen Power (2021), Rasmus Dahlin (2018), Aaron Ekblad (2014), and Erik Johnson (2006). He is also the second player from the Erie Otters to be drafted No. 1 overall, following superstar Connor McDavid in 2015. For the Islanders, Schaefer becomes the fifth top overall pick in franchise history, joining Billy Harris (1972), Denis Potvin (1973), Rick DiPietro (2000), and John Tavares (2009).
What’s Next for Schaefer and the Islanders?
The question now turns to whether Schaefer, who turns 18 on September 5th, will jump immediately to the Islanders’ NHL roster or return to Erie for another OHL season. It is uncommon for a No. 1 overall pick, particularly a defenseman, not to play in the NHL the year after their draft, although exceptions like Owen Power (who returned to college) exist. The Islanders will evaluate him closely in training camp, but the anticipation is high for him to make an immediate impact. Schaefer has already planned to train with Islanders defenseman and fellow Erie Otters alumnus Adam Pelech this summer under trainer Bryan Marshall, showcasing a proactive approach to preparing for the professional level.
The Islanders were busy in the first round beyond the top pick. They traded veteran defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal, acquiring two additional first-round selections at Nos. 16 and 17. They used these picks to bolster their prospect pool, selecting right wing Victor Eklund at 16 and physical defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson at 17. This trilogy of first-round picks represents a significant influx of young talent aimed at building a competitive future for the Islanders.
The 2025 draft itself featured a unique decentralized format, with teams operating remotely while Commissioner Bettman announced the initial picks from Los Angeles. The draft class is considered deep, even if lacking an “absolute lock” consensus beyond Schaefer earlier in the year. Notable selections included Michael Misa going second to San Jose, Anton Frondell third to Chicago, and Caleb Desnoyers fourth to the Utah Mammoth. The first round also saw two goaltenders selected, a first in four years, and featured emotional moments like Meredith Gaudreau, widow of Johnny Gaudreau, announcing picks for Columbus. Five NCAA players were chosen in the first round, reflecting college hockey’s growing role in player development.
Matthew Schaefer’s selection as the first overall pick is more than just a hockey story. It’s a testament to his exceptional talent, his ability to overcome significant physical setbacks, and his profound personal strength in the face of unimaginable loss. As he embarks on his professional career with the New York Islanders, Schaefer carries not only the hopes of a franchise but also the enduring spirit of those who inspired him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Matthew Schaefer ranked No. 1 despite limited games due to injury?
Matthew Schaefer’s talent level, particularly his elite skating and high hockey IQ, was so highly regarded by scouts that his shortened 2024-25 season didn’t significantly diminish his ranking. Despite missing substantial time with mononucleosis and a broken clavicle, his strong performances in earlier viewings, such as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, demonstrated his top-tier potential. Scouts trusted his proven skills and high-character qualities, believing his upside outweighed the risk associated with the missed games.
Which team picked Matthew Schaefer first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft?
The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. The Islanders secured the top spot after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, allowing them to jump nine positions in the draft order to make the historic selection.
What makes Matthew Schaefer a top prospect compared to others in the 2025 draft class?
Matthew Schaefer stands out due to his rare combination of size, elite skating, and high-end hockey sense. Scouts highlight his defensive prowess, transition ability, and offensive intelligence, projecting him as a potential future No. 1 defenseman capable of defending top forwards and contributing offensively. While the 2025 class was deep with talent like Michael Misa’s scoring ability or Anton Frondell’s playmaking, Schaefer’s ‘complete package’ skill set and strong character made him the consensus top choice for his potential impact on an NHL blueline.
Word Count Check: 1111 words
