Schaefer (6-foot-2, 186 pounds), who has been the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft all season, had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a plus-21 rating in 17 games with the Otters this season.

The New York Islanders possess the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft and are expected to take defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Forward Michael Misa should be the second overall selection to the San Jose Sharks, but after that, a handful of options await the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3.

Now that the Stanley Cup Playoffs have come to an end, with the Florida Panthers once again becoming world champions, all eyes turn to the next generation of NHL players entering the league through the 2025 draft.