Matthew Schaefer, the top selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, has signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the New York Islanders, the team announced on Monday, Aug. 4.
Schaefer was on hand at Citi Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the game between the New York Mets and the visiting Cleveland Guardians. The team announced the signing of the Stoney Creek, Ontario, native just before the pregame ceremony.
‘Feels amazing,’ Schaefer said at Citi Field. ‘Obviously, it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and to do it your first year — there’s still a lot of work, but that was my dream and I want to play in the NHL this season. I wanted to really badly. I know there’s going to be a lot of hard work that comes with it, but I think I’m ready.’
The defenseman, who will turn 18 next month, has competed with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League for the past two seasons. He earned first-team all-rookie honors in 2023-24.
His 2024-25 OHL campaign came to a halt when he suffered an injured collarbone as a member of Team Canada in the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa.
To date, Schaefer has amassed 10 goals and 29 assists in 73 games with Erie.
He has returned to the ice, competing at Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase. Schaefer will report to training camp with the Islanders, where he could break camp with the NHL club or be sent to Erie for his third season.
Schaefer won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 U18 World Hockey Championships in Finland.
He is the Islanders’ first No. 1 draft pick since they tabbed John Tavares in 2009 and the fifth overall in franchise history.