Matthew Schaefer didn’t ease into his new role with the New York Islanders. Just minutes after hearing his name called first overall at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, the 17-year-old defenseman made it clear: he’s already got the New York Rangers in his sights.
Matthew Schaefer Sends a Message to the New York Rangers
“I’m saying Rangers,” Schaefer said without blinking. “I heard there’s a big rivalry. I want to play against the Rangers, and I want to beat them every time we play them.”
“We’re going to beat the @NYRangers every time we play them.”
– Matthew Schaefer, @NYIslanders first overall pick and newest member of the Battle of NY #NHL #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/8W42tG1MYD
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 28, 2025
Plenty of rookies play it safe on draft night. Schaefer didn’t. With one comment, he dropped himself right into the heart of one of hockey’s fiercest matchups, and Islanders fans loved every second of it.
New York had already shaken things up before selecting him. General manager Mathieu Darche made a surprise move, trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens. In return, the Islanders received 23-year-old left winger Emil Heineman and two first-round picks.
They used those picks to draft Victor Eklund, a creative Swedish forward, and Kashawn Aitcheson, a physical blue-liner from the OHL. But make no mistake, Schaefer was the night’s headline.
Even with a shortened season due to mononucleosis and a devastating clavicle injury, Schaefer garnered 22 points in 17 games for the Erie Otters and took home the CHL Top Draft Prospect award.
The winner of the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is the @ErieOtters‘ Matthew Schaefer! #CHLAwards pic.twitter.com/aCyOZy3oLI
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 13, 2025
Coaches around the league rave about his skating, composure, and ability to control the game at both ends of the ice. He’s already being discussed as a future cornerstone on the Islanders’ blue line.
“Matthew the hockey player is outstanding,” Darche said [via NHL.com]. “The human being is as outstanding as the hockey player. We’re so excited to have him here.”
Schaefer Honors His Mother on Draft Night
Schaefer’s maturity goes beyond hockey. In 2024, Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, after her prolonged battle with breast cancer. On draft night, he wore a custom suit lined with photos of her and her signature stitched inside. After putting on his jersey, he quietly kissed a lavender ribbon sewn onto it and looked up.
“I’m going to make you proud,” he said.
She’d be so proud 🥹 #NHLDraft https://t.co/aN7D93s5qv pic.twitter.com/9FBWabNkFN
— NHL (@NHL) June 27, 2025
That mix of drive and emotion is exactly what the Islanders need. Last season ended in frustration, and there’s a sense the organization is ready to turn a page. Schaefer, with his confidence and edge, could be the start of something new.
And then there’s that rivalry. Islanders vs. Rangers isn’t just another division game. It’s a fight for New York, a battle loaded with history, tension, and noise. Schaefer didn’t tiptoe into it; he charged straight at it. The Rangers might’ve skipped the first round of the draft, but Schaefer made sure they didn’t go unnoticed.
With Eklund’s finesse, Aitcheson’s bite, and Schaefer’s leadership, the Islanders are building something different. Maybe even something special.
