Matthew Schaefer is officially the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The 17-year-old star was selected by the New York Islanders on June 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, despite missing half of last season due to a broken clavicle.
As Schaefer put on his Islanders uniform with the No. 25 on stage, he got emotional, kissing the jersey where a pink ribbon was placed, and pointing to the sky. Schaefer was likely paying homage to his mother, Jennifer, who died during the 2023-24 season.
Watch: Matthew Schaefer emotional after Islanders make him top pick
Schaefer was wearing a jacket with his mother’s picture inside when he arrived at the draft in Los Angeles. His mother, Jennifer, died following a two-year battle with breast cancer during the 2023-24 season. His billet mother, Emily Matson, and Erie Otters owner Jim Waters also died that same season. Schaefer played his junior hockey with Erie.
‘Thank you guys, I appreciate you taking a chance on me,’ Schaefer said to the Islanders’ decision makers following the selection on stage. ‘I promise I won’t disappoint, but especially want to say to my mom and the rest of my family and friends, ‘thanks for everything.”
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