The Islanders took defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL draft, making him the fifth defenseman drafted first overall since 2000.

So Darche has made a big move to kick off his tenure that could backfire, and what Darche does with those two additional picks will enter the equation. But hanging on to the #1 overall pick and selecting Schaefer was a no-brainer.

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.