The New York Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters with the first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Schaefer is just 17 years old and is a defenseman. The 17-year-old defenseman scored 7 goals, and 15 assists in 17 games with the Erie Otters last season. Schaefer is described as an elite puck mover who lets the game flow through him. This hints at the fact that he could be a No. 1 defenseman for the New York Islanders in the future.
Schaefer Could Be the Noah Dobson Replacement
It is hard to ignore the fact that earlier today the New York Islanders traded their best Defenseman Noah Dobson to the Canadiens on the same day they drafted Schaefer first overall. It is unclear how Dobson would’ve faired with the Islanders if he had stayed with them for his entire career, but he was their franchise defenseman. The vision is there that Schaefer can fill what Dobson’s role was, and potentially be even better than he was.
Schaefer has been the consensus top pick for a while now. With Schaefer only being 17 years old, it should be a little bit before he makes an impact at the NHL level. He only played 17 games with the Erie Otters last season. He still has much to learn before he gets to the NHL.
Last Thoughts
The New York Islanders reignited their bright future. The franchise is in a bit of a transition period after missing the playoffs this last season. They have a brand new GM, a new No. 1 overall pick, and shipped off a franchise defenseman. It is truly the start of a new era on the Island, and the fans should be excited about the future with Matthew Schaefer. Just don’t expect him to see him right away. He needs development.
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