Matthew Schaefer, the highly touted defenseman and projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, has declared himself "fully healed" from the broken collarbone that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2024-2025 season. This news comes as a major relief to the New York Islanders, who hold the top pick and are widely expected to select Schaefer to anchor their blueline for years to come.
Schaefer sustained the injury while representing Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in December, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss 46 regular-season games with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), as well as nine OHL playoff games. The broken clavicle was a significant setback for the young defenseman, interrupting what was shaping up to be a dominant draft year. Prior to the injury, Schaefer had amassed an impressive 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in just 17 games, showcasing his elite offensive abilities from the blue line.
Despite the setback, Schaefer remained the consensus No. 1 prospect in the eyes of many scouts. His combination of size (6-foot-2, 183 pounds), skating ability, hockey IQ, and two-way prowess sets him apart from his peers. He is considered a dynamic, game-breaking player who can control the pace of play and log heavy minutes in all situations. Scouts praise his ability to transition the puck effectively, quarterback a power play, and shut down opposing forwards in his own zone.
Schaefer's recovery progressed well, and he was cleared for contact by doctors on May 1. He expressed his eagerness to return to the ice, stating, "I've been definitely dying to come back. During the OHL playoffs, I started skating again and was doing morning skates, and it was so good to just get back on the ice with the guys. I'm clear [to play] now and everything's feeling good.”
The Islanders' selection of Schaefer is seen as a crucial step in their rebuilding process. The team won the NHL Draft Lottery and has the opportunity to add a potential franchise cornerstone to their prospect pool. With established players like Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat up front, and goaltender Ilya Sorokin in net, the addition of Schaefer could significantly bolster the Islanders' chances of becoming a contender in the coming years.
Schaefer himself is preparing for the upcoming NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, where he has a busy schedule of interviews with NHL teams. He is also working with a trainer and former NHL defenseman Mark Giordano to further develop his skills and strength this offseason. He also plans to skate with Islanders defenseman and Erie Otters alumnus Adam Pelech at the Canadian Ice Academy in Mississauga, Ontario, this summer.
Many see similarities between Schaefer's game and that of Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar, praising his skating ability, hockey IQ, and all-around impact. Like Makar and other modern NHL defensemen, Schaefer is expected to contribute both offensively and defensively, playing a key role at both ends of the ice.
While the injury undoubtedly disrupted his season, Matthew Schaefer's declaration that he is "fully healed" has solidified his status as the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft. The New York Islanders are poised to select him, hoping that he will become the cornerstone of their defense and lead them to future success.
