HIGHLIGHTS
- Matthew Schaefer makes Islanders’ opening night roster after strong camp
- The 18-year-old will make his NHL debut Thursday against Pittsburgh
- Read below for details on the first overall pick’s roster spot
The Islanders won’t be sending their top pick to the minors.
Matthew Schaefer, the first overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, has made New York’s opening night roster for the 2025-26 season. The 18-year-old defenseman locked down his spot after a strong showing at training camp.
GM Mathieu Darche made it clear this wasn’t charity. According to Newsday’s Andrew Gross, Darche said Schaefer has “completely earned spot on the roster and in the lineup.” The kid gets his first NHL action Thursday night in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
This is the Islanders’ first No. 1 overall pick since 2009, and they’re throwing him right into the fire. Schaefer’s 2024-25 season with Erie got derailed after just 17 games when he broke his collarbone, but he still put up seven goals and 22 points.
The 6-foot-2 blueliner from Hamilton, Ontario is a dynamic skater who can move the puck. He’ll have veterans like Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock around him as he adjusts to the speed of the NHL game.
Coach Patrick Roy has talked about taking it slow with Schaefer’s development, which makes sense—defensemen usually need more time to adapt. But the organization thinks he’s ready now.
The Islanders will carry seven defensemen on their 23-man roster to start the season. Puck drops Thursday at 7:00 p.m. against Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena.
Schaefer is the first OHL player taken first overall since Connor McDavid in 2015. Pretty solid company for your first day on the job.
