Matthew Schaefer Becomes Top Pick in Emotional 2025 NHL Draft Moment
Wow, what a night it was at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. If you’ve been following the hockey world, then you already know — defenseman Matthew Schaefer was selected first overall by the New York Islanders. And let me tell you, this wasn’t just a big moment for the team or even for the league — it was personal, heartfelt, and incredibly emotional.
Schaefer, just 17 years old, is a 6-foot-2 blueliner from the Erie Otters of the OHL. He’s been making headlines as one of the most complete two-way defensemen in recent memory, and being picked No. 1 overall wasn’t much of a surprise. But the story that unfolded around his selection added a deeply human element to the draft that no stat sheet could ever capture.
This kid has been through a lot. After playing only 17 games this season due to a broken clavicle suffered during the World Junior Championship, he still managed to impress scouts with 22 points and a +21 rating. But what made the moment truly unforgettable was what he carried with him to the stage — a tribute to his late mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in February 2024. Inside his suit jacket were photos of her, placed close to his heart. When his name was called and he donned the Islanders jersey, he kissed the breast cancer ribbon sewn onto the chest. It was raw. It was real. You could see the emotion flood over him — the tears weren’t just about a dream realized, they were for his mom, who couldn't be there in person.
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And the Islanders? They’re ecstatic. Their GM, Mathieu Darche, who just made his first pick in the role, had nothing but praise for Schaefer. He called him as outstanding a person as he is a player. That says a lot. Schaefer himself spoke with excitement and gratitude, already looking forward to training, bonding with teammates, and earning his spot. He mentioned knowing Bo Horvat and how he’s heard about the strong culture in the Islanders' locker room — something that clearly means a lot to him.
Despite missing most of the season, Schaefer still participated in nearly all tests at the scouting combine, except for pull-ups and bench press. He’s been cleared for contact and has a busy summer ahead. He’ll be training under the watchful eye of Mark Giordano — a Norris Trophy winner — and working out alongside NHL veterans like Adam Pelech. You can tell he’s not just waiting for opportunity to knock. He’s preparing to break the door down.
When you hear NHL Central Scouting describe a player as someone who can "take over a game" and has "hockey IQ off the charts," you know you’re dealing with something special. The comparisons to Connor McDavid, another Erie No. 1 overall pick, are already floating around. High praise, but Schaefer seems like the kind of kid who will earn every bit of it.
And now, he’s officially an Islander. You could feel the energy from the fans, the chants, the photos, the connection. Schaefer noticed it, and he fed off it. As he said himself, “Can’t wait to get started.” Honestly, neither can we.
So here's to a new era on Long Island. Welcome to the NHL, Matthew Schaefer — you've already made it unforgettable.
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