When the Islanders won the draft lottery to move up from 10th to first overall in the 2025 draft, there was immediate speculation they might draft Long Island native James Hagens with the pick. The 5’11”, 185-lb center was the consensus first-overall pick at the beginning of the season.
Despite having a point-per-game freshman season at Boston College, though, he slipped down draft boards throughout the year. That was partly due to concerns about his size and how much he can truly pop offensively in the NHL, but also because other names simply displayed potential that surpassed his.
One of those names is defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Despite sustaining a season-ending collarbone injury at the World Juniors, the 6’2″ lefty was the consensus top prospect in the draft by the time the December tournament rolled around. Even while sitting on the shelf, his stock hasn’t dipped.
Very few public scouts have Schaefer ranked behind names like Hagens or OHL Saginaw star forward Michael Misa, and NHL Central Scouting labeled him the best North American skater in the class in their final rankings. Schaefer was healthy enough to participate in last week’s draft combine and showed out well enough to reaffirm the near-universal belief he’ll go off the board to the Islanders at No. 1 overall, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic relays.
The Islanders interviewed both Hagens and Misa at the combine as well, likely rounding out the trio of players they’re exclusively considering with the selection. However, the sense following the combine is that Schaefer remains a clear favorite and that “it would come as a bit of a surprise” if he isn’t the pick, Wheeler wrote.
Schaefer is one of the youngest players in the class – he doesn’t turn 18 until Sep. 5 – and hasn’t played organized hockey in nearly six months. That obviously works against his chances of being on the Isles’ opening night roster in the fall, but he did dominate with 22 points and a +21 rating in 17 games for OHL Erie to begin the campaign.
As a Hawks fan this is exciting news.
I would argue the opposite actually, assuming Misa is their target. If the Isles took Hagens at 1, the Sharks would almost certainly take Schaefer since they have more talent up front than on the blue line. But if the Isles take Schaefer, the Sharks will likely take Misa.
Just saying their odds seemed to go from 33% to 50% if it’s true. Just math. LOL Hurts dropping from 2nd to 3rd in the lottery.
I’m just a dude with an opinion, certainly not a pro scout, but to me Misa is the star of this draft. I’m surprised he’s getting “slept on” a little.
Did you watch many full games involving Misa, Schaefer, or Hagens? Or are you just looking at their stats and highlight packages?
Schaefer has to go first overall. You build from the crease out. Sorokin in goal, then the defense, then the forward lines. This team needs so much but I stick with that plan. Build Bridgeport back up so you can always have a steady influx of talent. Everything Grandpa Lou did when he was here, do the exact opposite and we’ll have a successful team again.
c’mon stun us all, trade back a spot and take the hometown kid!!
No thank you. Most hometown players in any sport never seem to work out. I’m sure someone will tell me the exceptions, but I’m not wasting a first overall on a 5’ 11” center. If you like him you pick him.
So you’re telling me you’d have passed on Sidney Crosby? That’s a bold take, Perreault
Probably hasty on his part but I assume he means if the center isn’t generational. Nobody was passing on Bedard either.
Won’t happen, but…
Let’s say the Rangers give the Pens their first this year and the Pens have #11 and #12.
What would they have to add to it to get the top pick?
Those two picks, plus two seconds and three thirds…?
Probably not enough, but they can’t offer a potential McKenna pick first.
If you’re Isles which is a team that lacks offensive power they should be aiming for an offensive force like Michael Misa who’s been compared to a Steven Stamkos caliber-like player. If he comes anywhere close to such a level, the team or teams that pass on him will end up regretting it later on.
Don’t get me wrong, Matt Schaefer has potential to be a very good/great player but the Isles I feel should be looking offensively more so then defensively this go around especially if new GM Matt Darche is using the Tampa model to build the Isles.
Anyone get the impression thos is smoke and mirrors to bait the sharks to trade up? I reckon they will take a center regardless
Honestly this draft seems devoid of any real top tier talent outside of the top 3 players and one could honestly argue none of those top 3 are going to be superstars. It’s a good year to trade draft capital in my opinion.
. Agreed. After the “pretty good” first three (and decent players to #6), this is a draft to stock the AHL rosters.
. So, yes, grab some 2026 picks in trade.
Hagens only included because of being from Long Island. It should be either Misa or Schaefer. It would not be a surprise If Hagens goes four or five. He maybe A Shane Wright. Closer people looked maybe a second line center at best.
I’m hoping the Isles trade down to build up draft stock and still draft Hagens! That would be most ideal. Say they send the first overall to Chicago and in return obtain Chicago 3rd overall pick in this years first round plus two more picks and then draft Hagens with third overall pick. That’s a win win to start a rebuild and get fans excited. But Chicago would have to give up two more picks that would have to be strong picks (top 2 rounds this year and next) for it to even make sense. This is only if Chicago thinks Schaefer is a can’t miss and consensus top pick. If not try same draft strategy with Sharks…
. Chemistry wins Cups. Going after big cannons without creating cohesion makes for a disjointed roster, not a “team”.
. It’s why the Oilers are “very good” but can’t get McDavid a Stanley. He has Draisaitl and N-Hop, but then what?
. Same with your Blackhawks: Yay, Bedard, but instead of a second head to make an ineffective monster, trade down for three first-rounders and fill your bucket.
. Now, I gotta go. Gotta place my bet for the date Nashville figures out that Coach Brunette is a MISTAKE.