Erie Otters Defenseman Matthew Schaefer Selected #1 Overall in 2025 NHL Entry Draft

Erie, Pennsylvania — One of the top players in the Ontario Hockey League and top prospects the Otters have seen in years has heard his name called at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer was selected #1 Overall by the New York Islanders.

Schaefer becomes the second Otter all-time to be selected first overall, following Connor McDavid in 2015. He also becomes the first OHL player to be selected first overall since McDavid.

Just awarded the CHL’s Top Prospect Award, the Stoney Creek, ON native had quite the season for Erie, albeit, injury-shortened. In 17 games with the Otters, he put up over a point-per-game with 22 points (7G+15A) and being a +21.

Schaefer also has represented his nation of Canada multiple times over the past few seasons, even participating in the IIHF World Junior Championships at just 17 years old.

Otters General Manager Dave Brown spoke with excitement about Schaefer’s selection and what he has meant to the Otters organization.

“Champions come in many forms; Matthew is the epitome of greatness; his on-ice abilities are apparent, but it’s his character and personality that make him a generational selection,” Brown said. “Matthew is the best brand ambassador I have ever met. Matthew genuinely cares about every person he encounters; this is evident in his interest in every person he meets at a personal level. It’s such an exciting time for Matthew, Todd, and Jonathan and the Otters are thrilled to share in such a great moment.”

Brown also remarked on not only the player but the person that the Islanders are getting in Schaefer.

“The Islanders and the Long Island community truly won the lottery, as Matthew will leave his mark on everyone and ensure he leaves it better than he found it,” Brown said. “As Jim Waters lived by, ‘What you do is what you make. What you give is who you are!’ Matthew lives his life by this, and he gives greatness; in return, it’s no surprise that Matthew is truly generational.”

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