Did NY Islanders' top pick Matthew Shaefer's spotlight get stolen by past and future draft stars?

"Through the first week of the NHL season, Matthew Schaefer has been one of the league's most compelling players. Despite being the first overall pick by the NY Islanders this summer, nobody could truly say that they expected these performances so quickly. At the start of his draft year, Schaefer wasn't considered the top prospect. That honor belonged to Long Island native James Hagens, who was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins."

"Over the last two drafts, we saw Connor Bedard and Macklin Cellebrini as the first overall picks. Bedard was the most touted prospect since Connor McDavid, poised to be a generational talent. Last season, Cellebrini was the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner for the top player in the NCAA, playing as the youngest player in the nation and a potential Selke Trophy winner at some point in his career."

"Next season, Gavin McKenna, who is expected to go first overall, has had the spotlight on him for some years. Now, playing in the NCAA with Penn State, he's receiving more recognition within the United States, all while competing against stiffer competition compared to the WHL. For the 2027 Draft, Landon DuPont of the Everett Silvertips in the WHL has been turning heads, finishing with 60 points (17 G, 43 A) as a 15-year-old defenseman last year."

Matthew Schaefer has delivered surprising, high-level play in the NHL's opening week after being selected first overall by the New York Islanders. Schaefer entered his draft year not widely regarded as the top prospect; James Hagens was initially considered the leading talent and went seventh overall to Boston. Recent drafts featured standout top picks like Connor Bedard and Macklin Cellebrini, raising expectations for generational or collegiate stars. Upcoming prospects such as Gavin McKenna and Landon DuPont carry considerable attention for future drafts. Schaefer's NHL roster spot was uncertain after 17 games last season, but his camp performance earned him an immediate role.

Read at Eyes On Isles