It is always fun when a star signs a contract, at any point, but much more so when it is his first. From the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the first-overall selection, defenceman Matthew Schaefer signs his entry-level contract as a member of the New York Islanders today. This news comes as Schaefer was preparing to throw the opening pitch at tonight’s MLB game in Queens, New York featuring the Mets and the Cleveland Guardians. This is all exciting times for the potential superstar defenceman and his Isles squad.
Islanders First-Overall Pick Matthew Schaefer Signs ELC
#Isles News: The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Matthew Schaefer to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Read more: https://t.co/6hCqZ281QD pic.twitter.com/CHurk65I0k
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 4, 2025
Matthew Schaefer came into the draft, as not necessarily the clear number one selection, but there were reasons he could have been. Really, the only thing holding him back in his draft season, was the fact he only played 17 games for his junior side, the OHL’s Erie Otters. However, he still managed 22 points in that limited amount of action. So, you must have something special on your hands if you can overcome that level of adversity, to still be the first name called at the draft.
His skills, determination, and competitiveness make him who he is. He has more than proven himself throughout his young career, especially while lacing them up for Team Canada. Schaefer has already helped lead his Team Canada squads, from the U17 World Hockey Challenge to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, in capturing gold as the captain. It is this winning pedigree that makes him who he is. Oddly enough, it was playing for Canada at the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championships, where he sustained the injury that ended his 2024-25 campaign. As a 17-year-old at that tournament, on defence for Canada, right there, you know you have something special.
What Does He Bring to the New York Islanders?
His explosiveness and drive are hard to stop. He already appears to have elite skating skills, before even making it to the NHL. Furthermore, he is able to do it all over the ice, and nobody seems to be able to stop him. He’s all over the ice, and definitely the type of player who can lead your team offensively, even if it is from the backend. You could liken his ability to stay with the play to Jaccob Slavin. Someone who seems to effortlessly always be right on the puck, and making plays.
The Islanders are a team trying to find their identity. Getting rid of Noah Dobson was a big shakeup. However, they did confirm their allegiance to Alexander Romanov, as they locked him up earlier this offseason until 2030. They are a team looking to retool, but with a few big names around, anything is possible. Schaefer’s progress could be a big impact on that team success. However, there will be no such expectations on him. But for a kid who the sky’s the limit like it is for him, maybe we see something like Lane Hutson helping the Montreal Canadiens get into last year’s playoffs. Now, not to compare directly, as the Canadiens had been in a multi-year rebuild previously, but you get the idea. Schaefer has the type of elite talent to expedite the Isles retool.
Taking the mound in Queens! Matthew Schaefer is set to throw the first pitch at tonight’s @Mets game! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/Zf9ReTdIv6
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 4, 2025
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
