Will the New York Islanders use their first pick on a defender or scorer?
The New York Islanders own the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after winning the 2025 Draft Lottery.
Sports Pulse
Matthew Schaefer required no minor league seasoning.
The former Erie Otters defenseman, whom the New York Islanders selected with the first overall pick in this summer’s NHL draft, will make his league debut Oct. 9.
Schaefer, who turned 18 Sept. 5, will do so on an even grander western Pennsylvania rink. He’s scheduled to skate for the Islanders during their 2025-26 opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Islanders thought enough of Schaefer to choose him first overall even though he only played 17 games for the 2024-25 Otters. He never returned to Erie’s active roster after he suffered a broken collarbone while playing for Team Canada during last December’s IIHF World Junior Championship tournament.
Schaefer recorded three goals and 14 assists during his 2023-24 season for Erie, which picked him first in the Ontario Hockey League’s priority selection draft.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.