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No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer delivers emotional tribute to late mother at NHL Draft

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz06/27/25NickSchultz_7
No. 1 overall NHL Draft pick Matthew Schaefer
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Heading into Friday’s 2025 NHL Draft, there wasn’t much of a secret around what the New York Islanders would do with the No. 1 overall pick. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer was waiting on the floor at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and he gave an emotional tribute to his late mother after the selection.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Schaefer’s name as part of the new format at this year’s draft. On his way to the stage, the OHL product had tears in his eyes, and he kissed the ribbon on his Islanders sweater. He also made sure to point out his mom’s impact during a virtual appearance with Isles leadership.

Then, in an interview after his conversation with his new team, ESPN’s Stormy Buonantony asked Schaefer what was going through his mind after going No. 1 overall. He immediately pointed to his mom, who died of breast cancer in February 2024.

“I think it’s just my mom, for sure,” Schaefer said. “I miss her a lot. I wish she could’ve been here tonight.”

The Islanders secured the No. 1 pick in the NHL lottery despite having a 3.5% chance of doing so. That led them to Schaefer, who was widely considered the top prospect on the board after a standout year with the Erie Otters. He only played in 17 games before a broken collarbone ended his season, but he had seven goals and 22 points during that time.

As New York planned to take Matthew Schaefer atop the board, the franchise put a special touch on his jersey. A pink ribbon was on his left shoulder, and he kissed it as he got ready to shake Bettman’s hand. It was an emotional moment, and Schaefer reflected on it while speaking with ESPN’s Leah Hextall.

“Obviously, lots of tears, as you can see,” Schaefer said. “They’re a lot more happy than not. I can control myself a little bit now. But I think the biggest thing is the New York Islanders are so amazing. Things like this mean so much to me. It’s surreal.

“You’ve waited for this moment your whole life. Like I said, I wish my mom could be here, but I know she’s with me, my brother and my dad in spirit. We’re super excited and can’t wait.”