2025 NHL Draft Shockers: Islanders’ Surprising No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer Sparks Debate and Drama
The curtain has officially dropped on the 2025 NHL offseason, kicked off in dramatic fashion by the league’s much-anticipated draft on Friday. This event wasn’t just another date on the calendar — it was a whirlwind of strategic moves, bold picks, and fresh hopefuls ready to claim their spot on the ice. The New York Islanders, in particular, made waves early by swapping defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens — a maneuver that netted them two promising mid-first-round picks at 16 and 17 overall. But the headline grabber was unquestionably the Islanders using their coveted No. 1 pick to snag Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman from the Erie Otters (OHL), whose remarkable skating skills and playmaking finesse promise to fortify their blue line for years ahead, especially after overcoming a collarbone setback last season. Not far behind, the San Jose Sharks secured the highly thought-of forward Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit, widely acknowledged as the premier forward in this draft, while the Chicago Blackhawks bolstered their center depth by selecting Sweden’s Anton Frondell. Want the nitty-gritty on every first-round choice? Dive into our comprehensive round-up and get the full scoop.
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