Schaefer, No. 1 pick in 2025 NHL Draft, makes Islanders roster

Matthew Schaefer is sticking in the NHL.

The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft officially made the New York Islanders roster on Monday, the culmination of a rise in the rankings that saw his name called first back in June.

Schaefer will make his NHL debut when the Islanders open their season Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh (7 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, MSGSN, TVAS).

It’s a big jump for the defenseman, who spent last season with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League and was limited to 17 games and 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) after breaking his clavicle on Dec. 27 while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Schaefer played 56 games the previous season for Erie and had 17 points (three goals, 14 assists).

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