Los Angeles – Anticipation Awaits for Matthew Schafer
Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement, but until the moment arrives, it’s hard to declare anything as final—and Matthew Schafer seems to feel that way too.
During a nearly 17-minute media session on a pool deck in downtown Los Angeles, Schafer, considered the top prospect, answered numerous questions about his upcoming performance. Interestingly, his second-choice contender wasn’t brought up at all.
There’s a strong sense of expectation surrounding the event at Peacock Theatre on Friday. “That would mean everything,” he said, reflecting on how he’ll feel when his name is called. “This is every kid’s dream, especially mine. You work so hard to reach this point. It’s obviously exciting, but honestly, the real job starts now.”
Schafer, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenseman, enters the draft as a consensus top prospect, especially after outperforming Michael Meesa during a season marked by both personality and injury challenges.
Despite only playing 17 games for the Erie Otters in the OHL last season, and a couple more for Team Canada in junior international competitions, his impact was undeniable. His off-ice qualities suggest he could be a future captain in the NHL.
He hopes to officially join the Islanders by 7:20 PM on Friday. “I really hope my family can be there,” he shared. “When I hear my name, I think that’s the biggest moment for me. I know my mom is smiling down on me. My dad? He’ll definitely shed some tears.”
Schafer trained this offseason with former defender Mark Giordano, alongside Adam Pelech, confirming his commitment to participate fully in the development camp for whichever team selects him—potentially starting Monday with the Islanders.
Interestingly, while he hasn’t visited Long Island yet, he did attend a Morgan Wallen concert in New York last year. He’s familiar with Beaubat, as they share agents. “It would be amazing to be his teammate,” he remarked. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about him; he’s a fantastic leader.”
As a skater and puck mover, Schafer already exhibits the skills of an NHL player, though he’ll be focused on bulking up this summer. Turning 18 in September, he could potentially start in the NHL next season.
With a grin, he quipped that the team picking him would get “a fantastic singer and dancer.” But then he became more serious. “I’m a two-way defenseman, able to play all over the ice. I excel in power plays and penalty kills, and I’m fiercely competitive. I genuinely care about the fans.”
