NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the New York Islanders.

The New York Islanders were reveling. The odds of winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on May 5 were 3.5 percent until the last of the four-ball sequence in the first draw unveiled a circular crest with an "NY" over a map of Long Island, giving them the right to select No. 1 for the first time since taking John Tavares in the 2009 NHL Draft and fifth since joining the NHL for the 1972-73 season.

The pick was Matthew Schaefer from Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, the first defenseman they selected No. 1 since Denis Potvin in the 1973 NHL Draft and one who has energized the organization.

"The emotions came out of him," general manager Mathi

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