Matthew Schaefer Leads 2025 NHL Draft Rankings

Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters has been ranked the top North American skater for the 2025 NHL Draft by Central Scouting, despite missing significant time this season due to a broken collarbone suffered at the World Junior Championships. Scouts praise Schaefer's powerful skating, offensive instincts, and ability to lead and support rushes, marking him as a potential franchise defenseman. His limited games this season, in which he produced at a high rate, have not deterred his ascent in the rankings, though some concerns remain about his injury history. The 2025 draft class is considered below average overall, with a stronger forward group and a weaker crop of defensemen, making Schaefer's emergence especially notable. Other top prospects include center Michael Misa and several forwards with high NHL potential, but Schaefer's unique skill set puts him at the forefront. Teams like the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Chicago Blackhawks could benefit greatly from selecting him first overall.