Monday’s light practice offered few clues toward that end. It is rare, though, for a No. 1 pick not to start the season in the NHL, and going into the start of free agency Tuesday, the Islanders blue line looked ripe for Schaefer to grab a spot.

Matthew Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer. Now, he’s achieved the ultimate milestone – becoming an NHL player. The 17-year-old was selected by the New York Islanders with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft on Friday in Los Angeles.

The selected players ranged from Matthew Schaefer, taken by the New York Islanders with the No. 1 pick and regarded as a future star, to Ygor Midlak, a goaltender who was the 224th and final selection by the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.