LOS ANGELES – In an emotional turn of events, 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer was selected as the first overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL draft on Friday. The moment was bittersweet for Schaefer, who lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer just over a year ago.
Immediate Impact
At the Peacock Theater, Schaefer was greeted by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and presented with an Islanders jersey featuring a breast cancer ribbon stitched onto it. The young defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters kissed the ribbon before breaking into tears, sharing the moment with his father and brother in the audience.
Key Details Emerge
The ribbon, along with his mother’s initials embroidered into the collar, came as a surprise to Schaefer. “This is a high class organization,” Schaefer told reporters. “To do that for me, it means a lot – it goes a long way. A lot of people can say it’s just a ribbon but it means a lot for me.”
“My mom is a big part of my life. And this jersey, I will hang up for sure. That ribbon has a little extra meaning to it.”
Schaefer has faced multiple personal losses over the past year, including the deaths of the mother of his billet family and Otters owner Jim Waters.
Heartfelt Tributes
In a touching gesture, Schaefer’s draft day suit featured a picture of his mother and her signature near his heart. “That was the biggest thing to put on my heart. I always know she is with me in spirit,” Schaefer shared.
During the draft watch party at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Islanders fans gave Schaefer a rousing ovation after he vowed to “beat” the New York Rangers “every time we play them.”
By the Numbers
- Schaefer is the Islanders’ fifth first overall pick in franchise history.
- He played 17 games with Erie last season, recording seven goals and 22 points.
- Schaefer captained Team Canada to gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Background Context
Schaefer, a native of Stoney Creek, Ontario, has been a rising star in the hockey world. Despite breaking his collarbone at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, he continued to impress with his leadership and skill.
The Islanders’ selection of Schaefer marks a significant moment for the franchise, being their first top pick since 2009 when they drafted John Tavares.
What Comes Next
The Islanders made two additional selections in the first round, acquiring forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson following a trade with the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks picked center Michael Misa with the second overall pick, and the Chicago Blackhawks chose Swedish forward Anton Frondell third.
As the NHL draft continues through Saturday, the focus remains on the promising future of young talents like Schaefer, who carries the legacy of his mother as he embarks on his professional career.
