Matthew Schaefer, the Erie Otters' standout defenseman, has been awarded the CHL Top Prospect Award, solidifying his status as a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The 17-year-old from Stoney Creek, Ontario, is only the second Otter to receive this honor, joining Connor McDavid, who won the award in 2015.
The CHL Top Prospect Award, presented by Kubota Canada, is awarded annually to the top NHL Entry Draft prospect from the Canadian Hockey League. Schaefer's win recognizes his exceptional talent and potential, despite an injury-shortened season where he played only 17 games. In those games, however, Schaefer showcased his dynamic ability, amassing 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) and an impressive +21 plus/minus rating. His performance placed him among the top-scoring defensemen in the OHL.
Schaefer is currently ranked as the No. 1 North American Skater by NHL Central Scouting, further fueling the expectation that he could be the first overall pick in the NHL Draft. If drafted first overall, Schaefer would be the second Erie Otters player to be selected first overall, following McDavid who was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.
Otters General Manager Dave Brown expressed immense pride in Schaefer's accomplishments. He noted that Schaefer has faced adversity and loss during his time in Erie, referring to the passing of his mother, Jennifer, after a battle with breast cancer, and the death of his billet mom, Emily Matson. Despite these personal challenges, Schaefer has demonstrated exceptional resilience and continues to excel as a player and individual.
Schaefer himself acknowledged the challenges of his season, including the broken clavicle he sustained while playing for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship. He emphasized that he approached his limited games as an opportunity to prove why he deserved to be considered a top prospect.
Leading up to the draft, Schaefer participated in the NHL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his athleticism and skills. He has been cleared for contact since May 1st and participated in all testing, with the exception of bench press and pull-ups, and has been working out and skating to prepare for his NHL career.
Analysts and scouts laud Schaefer's elite skating, offensive instincts, and intelligent defensive game. His ability to control the game from the back end and influence outcomes makes him a highly sought-after prospect. Some have even compared him to a future perennial NHL All-Star.
With the New York Islanders holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, the possibility of Schaefer joining their ranks is a tantalizing prospect. Some analysts suggest that pairing Schaefer with Noah Dobson on the blue line could create a dynamic and formidable defensive force for the Islanders for years to come.
The NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on June 27-28 at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. As the draft approaches, the spotlight on Matthew Schaefer intensifies. His talent, character, and resilience have positioned him as a deserving candidate for the No. 1 pick, and the CHL Top Prospect Award only reinforces this notion.
