Examining the Impact No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer Could Make as Islanders’ Rookie

Don’t let his baby face fool you, Schaefer possesses the mental fortitude of a veteran. The 6-foot-2 defenseman overcame off-ice adversities and injuries to catapult himself into being the jewel of the 2025 draft class.

During his 2023-24 debut OHL season, his mother, Jennifer, passed away due to breast cancer. Her death came two months after his billet mother, Emily Matson, was fatally struck by a train. Against the backdrop of these tragedies, Schaefer went on to finish the season with OHL All-Rookie team honors.

Schaefer missed the beginning of 2024-25 due to a bout with mononucleosis. He would later miss the remainder of the season and playoffs after suffering a broken collarbone at the World Junior Championships. After recording seven goals and 15 assists in 17 games, the CHL recognized Schaefer with the 2024-25 Top Draft Prospect Award.

What Isles Fans Can Expect From Schaefer

Schaefer is considered to be such a prodigious talent that he could immediately factor into the competition for the Isles’ top four defensemen. Throughout his development, the left-handed shooting blue liner has been leaned on in all situations because of his exceptional skating ability and high IQ play. 

He has the confidence needed to quarterback an NHL power play and kill penalties right away. On top of all these attributes, he is a born competitor.

Simply put, Schaefer is the complete package. He is a prototypical franchise defenseman in the making. The Islanders’ trajectory will be tied to the speed of Schaefer’s development. Last season, the playoff-less Isles finished sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-35-12 record.

Obviously, every rookie needs time and patience – but he is a special talent with all the physical and mental tools to have a very distinguished NHL career.