2025 NHL Draft Profile: Matthew Schaefer

Despite a season shortened by illness and injury, Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer remains the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft. He produced 22 points (7-15-22) in just 17 games, continuing to showcase elite skating, vision, and two-way poise. A natural puck-rusher, he thrives on controlling the flow of play from the back end. With prodigious talent and boundless potential, Schaefer projects as a game-changing, modern defenceman at the next level.