NEW YORK -- - The New York Islanders have signed No. 1 draft pick Matthew Schaefer to a three-year, entry level contract.

The team announced the deal Monday right around the time the young defenseman threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the New York Mets' home game against the Cleveland Guardians . Schaefer is set to turn 18 next month just before training camp begins.

"Feels amazing," Schaefer said at Citi Field. "Obviously, it's something I've wanted to do my whole life and to do it your first year -- there's still a lot of work, but that was my dream and I want to play in the NHL this season. I wanted to really badly. I know there's going to be a lot of hard work that comes with it, but I think I'm ready."

Signing him to a contract doesn't necessarily mean Schaefer is

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