New York Islanders prospect Matthew Schaefer is ready to turn the page from draft day hype to proving himself at training camp. The defenseman, who turned 18 on Friday, was the first overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft after the Islanders leapt nine spots by winning the lottery.
Schaefer, who missed most of last season with the OHL’s Erie Otters due to mono and a broken collarbone at the World Juniors, insists he isn’t taking anything for granted. “You don’t just get stuff given to you, right? You’ve got to earn it,” he said Wednesday at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase.