Matthew Schaefer goes to New York Islanders as first overall pick in NHL draft

The New York Islanders made Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer the first overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday night, selecting the 17-year-old standout from the Erie Otters and signaling high expectations for a player widely projected as a future cornerstone.

Following Schaefer, the San Jose Sharks used the No. 2 pick on high-scoring forward Michael Misa, an 18-year-old who lit up the OHL last season with Saginaw.

The Chicago Blackhawks picked third, selecting Swedish center Anton Frondell, who tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in 29 games for Djurgardens IF.


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The Utah Mammoth, after leaping 10 spots in the draft lottery, chose center Caleb Desnoyers fourth overall. Rounding out the top five, the Nashville Predators picked up rugged forward Brady Martin.


Schaefer, who spent the past two seasons in the OHL, endured a challenging 2024–25 campaign that began with glandular fever and was later derailed by a broken collarbone suffered during the World Junior Championships. Despite the injuries, Schaefer posted an impressive seven goals and 15 assists in just 17 games, demonstrating the skill and poise that kept him atop draft boards.

In February 2024, his mother, Jennifer, passed away from cancer. He pushed through that personal tragedy to deliver a strong rookie season, drawing admiration for his resilience as well as his ability.


The emotions were felt on draft night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. After his name was called, Schaefer fought back tears and honored his late mother.

"You wait for this moment your whole life," said Schaefer, who turns 18 in September. "I wish my mom could be here, but I know she's with me in spirit."