The hockey world witnessed a franchise-altering moment Friday night as the New York Islanders selected Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. The emotional selection capped a whirlwind day that saw blockbuster trades, surprise lottery winners, and the continuation of several notable NHL bloodlines.
Islanders’ Transformational Night
New GM Mathieu Darche made his mark early, executing a major trade before the draft began. The Islanders shipped defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal for a package including the Canadiens’ 16th and 17th overall picks, giving New York three first-round selections.
But the real story was Schaefer, the consensus top prospect who overcame a broken clavicle at the World Juniors and the tragic loss of his mother to cancer.
“He’s the complete package—elite skating, hockey IQ, and a warrior mentality,” said Darche. “This is a cornerstone player for our franchise.”
Scouting Report:
- 6’2″, 195-lb two-way defenseman
- Elite transition game, physicality, and leadership
- Projection: No. 1 defenseman, power-play QB
- Comparable: Josh Morrissey with Cale Makar upside
Top 10 Picks Breakdown
2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa (C, Saginaw, OHL)
The OHL scoring champion brings Barkov-like two-way excellence despite a playoff injury.
3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell (C, Djurgårdens, SHL)
A 6’3″ Swedish power center with a cannon shot and Scheifele-like offensive instincts.
4. Utah Mammoth – Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton, QMJHL)
The most complete player in the draft draws Patrice Bergeron comparisons.
5. Nashville Predators – Brady Martin (C, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL)
A relentless, physical force in the mold of Sam Bennett.
6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone (RW, Brampton, OHL)
A 6’4″ power winger with Jason Robertson’s scoring touch.
7. Boston Bruins – James Hagens (C, Boston College)
A dynamic playmaker (Jack Hughes/Artemi Panarin hybrid) who led Team USA to WJC gold.
8. Seattle Kraken – Jake O’Brien (C, Brantford, OHL)
A smooth-skating two-way center reminiscent of Nico Hischier.
🔥 Draft Night Drama
- Panthers re-sign playoff MVP Sam Bennett (8 years, $8M AAV)
- Blue Jackets acquire Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood from Colorado
- Gary Bettman booed (as per tradition)
- Decentralized draft format (teams operated remotely)
📺 How to Watch Day 2
- When: Saturday, June 28 (Noon ET)
- TV: NHL Network
- Streaming: ESPN+
🏒 Full First-Round Order
- NYI | 2. SJS | 3. CHI | … | 32. CGY
The Islanders’ rebuild accelerates, Utah lands a future captain, and the Sharks get their franchise center. Who won Day 1?
