Mon Jun 23 02:10:00 UTC 2025: **Sharks Eye Potential Top-Pairing Defenseman Matthew Schaefer if Islanders Pass at No. 1**
**SAN JOSE, CA** – While Matthew Schaefer is widely expected to be the New York Islanders’ first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks are preparing for the possibility that the Islanders may choose to go in another direction. This opens the door for the Sharks to potentially land the highly touted defenseman with the second overall pick.
General Manager Mike Grier and the Sharks organization have made it clear that they will be selecting the best player available, and if Schaefer is still on the board, many believe he would be the obvious choice. Schaefer, despite being one of the youngest players in the draft (turning 17 in September), is considered by many to be the top prospect.
The 6-foot-2, 183-pound left-handed defenseman had a strong showing in a limited 17-game stint with the Erie Otters (OHL), posting 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists). A clavicle injury sustained at the World Junior Championship sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, but his performance left a lasting impression on scouts.
Schaefer is praised for his exceptional skating ability, hockey sense, offensive skills, and defensive prowess. Scouts believe he has the potential to quarterback a power play and shut down top players. Several scouting reports have highlighted Schaefer’s potential to be a top-pairing defenseman. His small sample size is one that experts have viewed in high regard.
If Matthew Schaefer is available when the Sharks make their selection at number two, expect the team to waste no time in adding this potentially franchise-altering defenseman to their prospect pool. Sharks fans should hope the Islanders might have other plans on draft day.
First Piper 