Islanders select Matthew Schaefer as the first choice in the 2025 NHL Draft

Islanders Select Matthew Schafer First Overall in Draft

LOS ANGELES – This weekend, Matthew Dersch faced a straightforward decision.

The Islanders had a pivotal weekend, and remarkably, their most significant choice turned out to be the simplest one.

They selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the first overall pick during Friday night’s draft in downtown Los Angeles.

Schaefer won’t turn 18 until September and is only the second defenseman the Islanders have ever picked, following Dennis Potvin in 1973. This marked the club’s first top pick since 2009, when John Tavares was chosen.

“Being the first pick means a lot to me,” Schaefer said on Thursday. “I want to get drafted, but I also want to be the best player possible. It’s on my mind, but there’s so much beyond my control right now.”

Last season, Schaefer played just 17 games for the Erie Otters in the OHL and participated in two games for Team Canada as a junior internationally.

He mentioned he has been fully recovered and is set to attend development camp starting Monday. Though his playing time was limited, Schaefer’s performance when he was on the ice propelled him to the top of many draft boards this season.

Experts have noted he’s an exceptional skater and contributes effectively on both ends of the ice as well as on special teams.

Schaefer’s character also stood out during the draft process. Tragically, he lost his mother, Jennifer, to cancer last year, just months after his friend’s mother, Emily Matson, died by suicide. He has consistently shared his story in the lead-up to the draft, showing remarkable maturity amid such difficult circumstances.

“When I get chosen, I’ll think of my mom. I really wish she could be here,” Schafer said on Thursday. “It’s an emotional moment; there’s so much wrapped up in this.”

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Schaefer aims to bulk up in preparation for the upcoming season with the Islanders. Yet, it’s challenging to envision him returning to Erie for another season in the league that shaped him.

He also mentioned he hasn’t discussed a potential NCAA path for next season.

With the recent trade of Noah Dobson, the Islanders have a spot open on the blue line. Although Schaefer might not be the immediate answer for that role unless he plays on his off-side, he represents a future asset.

Last season, left-handed Adam Boqvist occasionally filled the right side, so that might be an option for next season, or perhaps the Islanders will seek reinforcements through free agency.