The New York Islanders have signed first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft Matthew Schaefer to a three year, entry level contract. The defenseman, who does not turn 18 until September 5, will make $997K,000 per season per Cap Wages.
The 6-2, 183-pound Schaefer had seven goals and 15 assists in 17 games last season for Erie of the junior Ontario Hockey League. His season ended in December after breaking his collarbone while playing for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships.
Schafer celebrated the contract signing Monday night by throwing out the first pitch prior to the Mets game at Citi Field. The Isles also announced Schaefer will wear No. 48. Schafer was the second of the Islanders three first-round picks to sign their entry-level contracts. Viktor Eklund signed his ELC last month. Kashawn Aitcheson, who was selected immediately after Eklund at 17, is still unsigned.
New York will give Schafer every opportunity to make the roster. If he does not play for New York, he must be returned to Erie. Players who sign NHL contracts are ineligible to play NCAA hockey, and players drafted from a Canadian Junior Hockey League team can’t play in the American Hockey League until they turn 20.
The Islanders will open training camp in mid-September with their preseason opener on Sept. 21 and the regular season beginning on Oct. 9 in Pittsburgh.
Super Stoked to see this kid play!