New York Islanders Draft Matthew Schaefer First Overall, Trade Noah Dobson to Canadiens

The 2025 NHL Draft saw the New York Islanders make a remarkable selection by choosing defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. Schaefer, a 17-year-old from the Erie Otters, overcame a broken collarbone and personal tragedy—the loss of his mother to cancer—to earn the top spot, with the Islanders honoring his mother by adding a pink ribbon patch and her initials to his jersey. Other notable picks include the San Jose Sharks selecting high-scoring forward Michael Misa second overall and the Chicago Blackhawks choosing Swedish forward Anton Frondell third. The Islanders also drafted Moorhead defenseman Sam Laurila in the fifth round, who impressed after going undrafted the previous year. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals picked German winger Maxim Schafer in the third round, marking their first German selection since 2021. Additionally, the Florida Panthers extended star center Sam Bennett's contract for eight years following his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning playoff performance.