NY Islanders No.1 Pick Matthew Schaefer Honors Late Mother

Matthew Schaefer was selected as the No.1 overall pick by the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL Draft, an emotional moment marked by a heartfelt tribute to his late mother Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in February 2024. The Islanders honored her memory by sewing a pink breast cancer ribbon onto Schaefer's jersey, along with her initials “JS” inside the collar, a gesture that deeply moved the 17-year-old defenseman. During the draft ceremony, Schaefer kissed the ribbon on his jersey and pointed to the sky, visibly emotional as he expressed how much his mother meant to him and how her spirit continues to inspire his journey. Beyond the tribute, Schaefer, who had an outstanding season with 22 points in 17 games for the Erie Otters, also delivered a confident message to the Islanders' rivals, the New York Rangers, promising to beat them every time they face off. He has shown remarkable resilience following his personal losses and has earned recognition as a top prospect, following in the footsteps of players like Connor McDavid. The Islanders' thoughtful support and Schaefer's maturity and skill set position him as a promising future star in the NHL.