With the NHL scouting combine ending on Saturday, June 7, the predictions for the upcoming NHL Draft have finally started to take some shape. NHL analysts, while having their fair share of differences, are pretty set on who the undisputed No. 1 pick for the 2025 draft will be.
And that place has been firmly taken by 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The two-way blueliner from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League has long been the perfect prospect for teams across the NHL, not just for his defensive capabilities but also for his speed.
And now, with the NHL Draft just 20 days away, multiple insiders from across media outlets have come together to choose their picks for the top pick in the draft.
Matthew Schaefer Continues To Be the Top Draft Pick
When Schaefer came to prominence playing as a junior for the Ontario outfit, it was a given that he would soon make it to the big leagues. But it is probably in 2024-25 that everyone agreed that he will be the most likely pick for the top draft on June 27.
With 15 assists and seven goals across 17 regular-season games for the Otters, Schaefer has been talismanic at best. The New York Islanders’ need for a tough defenseman to build their fortunes around this season seems to be a major reason for them to choose Schaefer.
While Schaefer last played on December 27 in the IIHF World Junior Championship due to a clavicle injury, he has since proved that he is miles above any other prospect this season. He has also shown his grit for a dynamic offense, and his 6’2″, 183-pound frame can handle roughhousing in the blue lines.
Analysts also argue that with his speed and his ability to quarterback any power plays, he is easily the best player available for the draft. His ability to kill penalties will make him exceptionally good in the backline for the Islanders, who, with Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock, might be looking at a great lockout come the regular season.
A master of one-touch plays and defensive feints, Schaefer will also help with the overall offensive power of the Islanders. With a penalty kill percentage of 72.2 (the 31st overall in the league) and a GA/G of 3.13, the Islanders would need some bulk to their defensive capabilities.
Schaefer has already undergone the health tests and will probably be cleared for contact come May 1. While injuries have really plagued the defenseman this season, with the hopes of a big-money contract with an NHL team comes the promise of world-class health facilities. Something that will bring down the injury chances for Schaefer.
The Upper Deck NHL Draft will be broadcast live on June 27 and June 29 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and SN1.