In the lead-up to the 2025 NHL Draft, theScore is spotlighting eight of the most intriguing prospects in the class to help you get familiar with the top names before draft night.
Matthew Schaefer hasn't suited up since December, but he's still lauded by many as the best player available in the 2025 NHL Draft thanks to his skating ability, competitive drive, and offensive chops.
It was an abbreviated campaign for Schaefer after he missed the first nine games of the OHL season with mononucleosis before breaking his clavicle in his second game at the world juniors in December.
The missed time shouldn't spook NHL teams, as Schaefer made a strong impression when healthy. Despite playing in only 17 games for the Erie Otters, he surpassed his previous career high of 17 points in 56 outings in 2023-24.
Schaefer was fantastic in his world juniors debut, recording a goal and an assist in Canada's 4-0 victory against Finland. He was the second-youngest player on the roster and is only three months older than Gavin McKenna, who isn't draft eligible until 2026. Schaefer doesn't turn 18 until September
That wasn't Schaefer's first foray on the international stage, as he captured gold at the World U18 Championships and Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2024. Schaefer chipped in with five points in seven games at the former event and six points in five outings while serving as Canada's captain in the latter.
Schaefer has also shown unbelievable resilience. He lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024, just three months after the death of his billet mother, Emily Matson. While recovering from his clavicle injury, Schaefer said his mother's death changed his mindset on life.
"I'm just happy to be here every day, and there are worse things that could happen," he told NHL.com in February. "I'm just going to come back stronger than ever."
Best fits
The Islanders were given a gift at the draft lottery, jumping up nine spots to claim the first overall pick. It'll undoubtedly be tempting to take Long Island native James Hagens, but the opportunity to take Schaefer may be too good to pass up. New York's prospect pool is thinner on the back end than it is up front, and current key blue-liners Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Scott Mayfield are all over 30.
The Sharks, meanwhile, are likely hoping that Schaefer falls into their clutches at No. 2. San Jose's cupboards are loaded with top forward prospects, and it has its goalie in Yaroslav Askarov. Schaefer would immediately solidify the team's future blue line alongside 2024 11th overall pick Sam Dickinson.
What they're saying
"He's a powerful, effortless skater who will be able to close gaps and transition up ice at a clear NHL level," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote in May. "He uses his feet to attack often, leading and supporting rushes very well. Schaefer is a very intelligent defenseman with legit offensive skills. ... He projects as a star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL."
Pronman also compared him to Ottawa Senators blue-liner Jake Sanderson.
"Schaefer is the best skater available," NHL.com's Adam Kimelman said. "His offensive game is dynamic, and he's strong enough to handle any situation in the defensive zone."
