"Matthew Schaefer is reminding everybody why he was more than worthy of the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Right now, he looks like the best first-overall pick over the past five seasons, with Owen Power, Juraj Slafkovsky, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini all fighting for second place. Through the Islanders' first five games, Schaefer is second on the team in points, with five, and a goal to go with it."
"Schaefer is showing the potential to be the next Cale Makar, and that means he could be turning young forwards into stars. Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman are two who come to mind. And if they maximize their potential while Schaefer is dishing them the puck, the Isles will have a big three that will give opponents headaches for the next decade."
Matthew Schaefer has produced five points, including a goal, through the New York Islanders' first five games, validating his selection as the 2025 first overall pick. His early pace ranks him ahead of recent top picks like Owen Power, Juraj Slafkovsky, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini. Schaefer missed most of 2024-25 due to injury and arrived with less hype than some predecessors, yet his play is already drawing attention as a potential franchise-altering defenseman comparable to Cale Makar. His playmaking could accelerate the development of young forwards such as Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman and help attract free agents, reducing pressure to pursue Gavin McKenna.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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