Matthew Schaefer goes No. 1 to Islanders; Misa, Frondell follow

The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Schaefer, who will turn 18 on Sept. 5, played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League the past two seasons.

The 6-foot-2, 183-pound Hamilton, Ontario native was limited to 17 games with Erie last season after missing the first nine with mononucleosis and then breaking his right clavicle on Dec. 27 while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024, two months after his billet mother, Emily Matson, died in an apparent suicide. When commissioner Gary Bettman presented Schaefer with an Islanders jersey, he teared up as he kissed the symbolic pink ribbon added to the jersey.

"I miss her a lot," Schaefer said. "I wish she could be here today."

San Jose selected center Michael Misa from Saginaw, who led the OHL last season with 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games.

"His 200-foot game, the speed he plays with, the passion he plays with, the compete. We just thought it was a perfect fit with what we already have here," said Sharks general manager Mike Grier. "Another guy to step in and be a matchup nightmare. "

The Chicago Blackhawks selected center Anton Frondell, who played with Djurgarden in Sweden's second division last season. The Utah Mammoth followed with Moncton (QMJHL) center Caleb Desnoyers, who posted 35 goals and 84 points in 56 regular-season games before leading the Wildcats to the QMJHL championship.

The Nashville Predators continued the run on centers by selecting physical center Brady Martin of Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) with the fifth pick. Martin earned MVP honors while leading Team Canada to gold at the Under-18 World Championships in April.

Philadelphia selected right wing Porter Martone of Brampton (OHL) at No. 6. He set franchise records for single-season points (98) and assists (61).

The Boston Bruins drafted Boston College center James Hagens at No. 7. Hagens was considered the potential first overall pick prior to this season, but he wasn't as productive with Boston College as he was in two seasons with the United States National Development Team. He produced 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games for the Eagles while centering a line with first-round picks Ryan Leonard (Washington) and Gabe Perreault (NY Rangers).

The Seattle Kraken picked center Jake O'Brien of Brantford (OHL) before the Buffalo Sabres grabbed the draft's second defenseman in Radim Mrtka of Seattle (WHL). Anaheim selected center Roger McQueen from Brandon (WHL) with the 10th pick.