Finally, the 2025 NHL Draft is just around the corner, and teams across the league are looking to sign their next big star. However, not every team had the same luck when it came to getting the draft picks.
The New York Islanders have secured the number one draft pick this season, marking the fifth time the Islanders have secured the number one draft pick, and the first time since drafting John Tavares in 2009. And the name linked is no. 1 prospect Matthew Schaefer.
But even beyond the number one pick, the Islanders have much more to look forward to come June 27, as some of the biggest names in this year’s draft have been associated with them.
Which Picks Have the New York Islanders Secured in the 2025 Draft?
Heading into the 2025 Draft, the New York Islanders have secured seven picks across the seven rounds. While their round one first pick is the one making all the rounds, they also have the following picks available to them:
- Round one, #1
- Round two, #42
- Round three, #74
- Round four, #106
- Round five, #138
- Round six, #170
- Round seven, #202
With all these picks, the Islanders will have the chance to rebuild their team completely with a deep rookie roster. Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky emphasized the team’s intention to energize the roster: “We’re extremely excited about putting together a team that gets younger and faster and exciting.”
And the names linked with the Islanders this season are just as interesting.
Names Most Likely To Be Picked by the Islanders This Draft
- Matthew Schaefer
The two-way defenseman from the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League has long been linked with the Islanders and is touted as the number one prospect across the draft this time.
With the Islanders having the number one pick, there is no doubt that they would go for him. But even beyond Schaefer, they have other names that they might target in round one. One name they are most linked with is center James Hagens.
- James Hagens
Which franchise will James Hagens change the fortunes of?#NHLDraft https://t.co/LsTjv6COKI pic.twitter.com/0y3riAa7JR
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 26, 2025
Even though the Islanders are nearly guaranteed to secure Schaefer at pick one, many reports mention that they haven’t given up on Hagens. A local who grew up going to the Nassau Coliseum as a kid, Hagens has piqued GM Darche’s interest.
There is a chance that Hagens will also appear in the top ten, and Darche has mentioned that he is looking at all options. If there is an opportunity to get another first-round top-ten pick, and the outcome is favorable, he is willing to get down for a trade. “If I feel the opportunity warrants that trade, I’ll try it. … Whether it’s moving up in the draft with another pick, whether it’s acquiring another pick, whether it’s trading another pick to get a player, I’m looking at all options to improve our team.”
Some think teams like the Utah Mammoth and the Nashville Predators would be more than willing for this trade.
- Eric Nilson
In the second round, Elite Prospects suggests that the Islanders would go for center Eric Nilson. They wrote, “When it comes to being an all-around two-way center, Nilson has many of the required boxes checked.”
To his advantage, Nilson has speed and enviable offensive skills. Moreover, his admirable room for growth might further sweeten the spot for the Islanders.
