Matthew Schaefer goes to New York Islanders as first overall pick in NHL draft
After Schaefer, San Jose Sharks used the number 2 elections at Michael Misa, who had a high score of 18 -year -old, who burned Sagina and Ohl last season.
Chicago Blackhawks came third and chose the Swedish center Anton Frondell, which made 29 goals and 14 assists in 29 games for Djurgartenses.
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After 10 points from the draft lottery, Utah Mamut chose the fourth center of Caleb Desnoyers. Nashville Predators, who completed the first five, brought Brady Martin to the forefront.
Schaefer, who spent the last two seasons in OHL, endured a challenging 2024-25 campaign, which was removed from the rail by a broken collarbone, which started with glandular fire and then suffered in the world junior championships. Despite the injuries, Schaefer only made an impressive seven goals and 15 assists in 17 games and showed the skill and posture that kept him above the draft boards.
In February 2024, his mother Jennifer passed away from cancer. He pushed this personal tragedy to offer a strong rookie season, fascinating his flexibility and ability.
Emotions were felt at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on the draft night. After his name was called, Schaefer fought tears and honored his late mother.
“You are waiting for this moment throughout your life,” Schaefer, who was 18 years old in September, said. “I wish my mother had been here, but I know you are with me in the soul.”
