One of the top players in the Ontario Hockey League and top prospects the Otters have seen in years has heard his name called at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer was selected #1 Overall by the New York Islanders.
Schaefer becomes the second Otter all-time to be selected first overall, following Connor McDavid in 2015. He also becomes the first OHL player to be selected first overall since McDavid.
Just awarded the CHL’s Top Prospect Award, the Stoney Creek, ON native had quite the season for Erie, albeit, injury-shortened. In 17 games with the Otters, he put up over a point-per-game with 22 points (7G+15A) and being a +21.
Schaefer also has represented his nation of Canada multiple times over the past few seasons, even participating in the IIHF World Junior Championships at just 17 years old.
Otters General Manager Dave Brown spoke with excitement about Schaefer’s selection and what he has meant to the Otters organization.
“Champions come in many forms; Matthew is the epitome of greatness; his on-ice abilities are apparent, but it’s his character and personality that make him a generational selection,” Brown said. “Matthew is the best brand ambassador I have ever met. Matthew genuinely cares about every person he encounters; this is evident in his interest in every person he meets at a personal level. It’s such an exciting time for Matthew, Todd, and Jonathan and the Otters are thrilled to share in such a great moment.”
Brown also remarked on not only the player but the person that the Islanders are getting in Schaefer.
“The Islanders and the Long Island community truly won the lottery, as Matthew will leave his mark on everyone and ensure he leaves it better than he found it,” Brown said. “As Jim Waters lived by, ‘What you do is what you make. What you give is who you are!’ Matthew lives his life by this, and he gives greatness; in return, it’s no surprise that Matthew is truly generational.”
Schaefer continues a long history of Otters players being selected in the NHL Draft as he becomes the 46th Otter to be taken in the NHL Entry Draft. The Otters have now had a player selected in five straight drafts dating back to 2020, and have had at least one player’s name called in 24 total drafts from 1997 to 2025. Schaefer joins teammate Carey Terrance (Anaheim #59 ’23 (Now with NYR)) as the only two Otters players rostered by NHL organizations.
Schaefer becomes the sixth Otters’ player to be selected by the New York Islanders, following in the footsteps of Mike Rupp (#9 ’98), Tim Connolly (#5 ’99), Chris Campoli (#227 ’04), Ryan O’Marra (#15 ’05) and potential future teammate, current Islander Adam Pelech (#65 ’12).
Schaefer came into the draft as the favorite to go first overall and was ranked as the #1 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
His selection represents a continued tradition of excellence that has seen numerous Otters players go on to play in NHL games and even hoist the Stanley Cup.
The entire Otters organization congratulates Matthew on his accomplishments and recognition, and look forward to his continued development on the road to his professional hockey career.
