First overall pick Schaefer signs with Islanders
Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.
Schaefer hasn’t played since Dec. 27 after he broke his collarbone playing for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors after he collided with the goalpost. Despite missing the majority of the 2024-25 season – where he also faced a bout with mono in September – the 18-year-old was the unanimous no. 1 selection headed into the NHL Draft and will shape the Islanders’ blue line for the foreseeable future after he was selected first overall.
At the 2025 CHL Awards, Schaefer was awarded the Top Prospect Award while internationally, he has claimed gold at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge, 2024 U18 World Championships and 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The 17-year-old was the first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft and has made 73 appearances for the Otters.
A moment everyone will remember. pic.twitter.com/9hLZ3hitRw
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 5, 2025
