NHL Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer impresses as number one!

NHL Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer impresses as number one!

On June 28, 2025, the NHL Draft in Los Angeles caught the attention of hockey fans around the world as Matthew Schaefer, a 17-year-old defenseman, was selected with the first overall pick by the New York Islanders. With this, Schaefer crowned his very successful season with a highlight that [Radio Gütersloh]. The Islanders' decision represents an important step in draft history, as only a handful of defensemen have been selected at the position since 2000, including names like Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin.

With his impressive career, Schaefer has not only impressed scouts, but also captivated the hockey community. He played 17 regular season games for Erie during his draft season and was awarded the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect Award - a special honor previously only bestowed on Connor McDavid. He was also able to prove himself at the World Under-18 Championships, scoring five points in seven games and celebrating winning the gold medal with his team. This is highlighted by NHL.com, with experts citing “extraordinary talent and impressive maturity”.

A look at the selection

A total of 32 players were selected on the first evening of the draft, with clear top favorites emerging. In addition to Schaefer, the San Jose Sharks selected Michael Misa, a talented Canadian attacker, while the Chicago Blackhawks selected Anton Frondell, a Swedish forward. Both teams have struggled with poor performances in recent years and were pleased to finally land a number one pick, like [Radio Gütersloh].

Overall, draft history shows that 61 players have been selected first overall since 1963, with the majority of that talent coming from Canada. The selection of the best talents is often determined by the performance in the respective youth teams. Many of the first voters usually choose the strongest players of the year, as Wikipedia reports.

German hopefuls

Despite the exciting selection, a critical look is required: There was not a single German player in the first round. However, hopefuls such as David Lewandowski, son of former national player Eduard Lewandowski, and Carlos Handel, who is captain of the U20 national team and earns his living in Canada, are in the starting blocks. Particular attention is also being paid to Maxim Schäfer, and the fact that no German player was selected last year will further fuel the discussion about talent training in German ice hockey.

Overall, this year's NHL Draft made it clear that talents like Matthew Schaefer have a bright future and the hockey world will be watching closely to see how the new millionaires do in the NHL. It remains to be hoped that German players will also soon be in the spotlight.