Matthew Schaefer in tears after being drafted first overall by the Islanders

That said, there was also a touching moment, as Schaefer broke down in tears after being drafted. We know he lost his mother to a battle with cancer, and the mother of his host family in junior has also passed away in the last year.

He was understandably emotional. In fact, he kissed a ribbon on his jersey in tribute to the fight against cancer.

With the departure of Noah Dobson today, the Islanders need a new #1 defenseman of the future… and in Schaefer, they have a nice project. The defenseman is a special prospect, and has the potential to be a true blue-line general.

At least, that’s what Mathieu Darche and the Islanders are hoping.

In 2024-25, Schaefer was limited to 17 games in the OHL, but still collected 22 points. The 6-foot-2 left-handed defenseman also played two games in the CMJ, collecting two points.

It’s a safe bet that the Islanders won’t regret this choice.

We’ll now see if the club can move up in the top-10 to select Long Island native James Hagens. We know that local fans are really hoping to see Mathieu Darche pull this one off… and it would help the Noah Dobson trade go down a bit easier.

To be continued.

In Overtime

– Sam Bennett is in Florida to stay.

– Of note.

– New collective agreement: from 2026-27, all players making their NHL debut will be required to wear neck protection. Those who have played at least one game by the end of next season will not have to.