The New York Islanders appear to have a straightforward decision on their hands at the top of the 2025 NHL draft.

Need to catch up on everything NHL Draft? This is your primer for what will happen Friday night in Los Angeles.

“Matthew Schaefer is the No. 1 defense prospect in this Draft Class,” Vice President of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said. ” He is the complete package playing a dynamic style that generates results and influences the outcome of games. Schaefer easily projects as a future All-Star in the NHL.”