Islanders sign No. 1 pick Schaefer to 3-year ELC

The New York Islanders signed rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer to a three-year, entry-level contract, they announced Monday.

The Islanders made it a moment to remember for Schaefer by inviting 20 children who've lost a parent to present the 17-year-old with his official contract. Schaefer's mom, Jennifer, died in 2024.

Schaefer was selected first overall by the Islanders in this year's NHL draft. Despite missing a large portion of the 2024-25 OHL season because of injuries, he became the No. 1 selection by tallying seven goals, 22 points, and a plus-21 rating over just 17 games with the Erie Otters.

The Hamilton native's resume also includes representing Canada at both the world juniors and winning gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2024.

By signing his rookie contract, Schaefer will only be eligible to play for either the Islanders in the NHL, or Erie in the OHL, next season. He can play in nine regular-season games with New York at the start of 2025-26 before losing his junior eligibility.

Schaefer celebrated his new deal by heading over to Citi Field, where he was welcomed by the local fans, throwing out the first pitch before the New York Mets faced the Cleveland Guardians.

The Islanders kick off their preseason schedule on Sept. 21 at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, and open the regular season at Pittsburgh on Oct. 9. Schaefer's potential regular-season debut at UBS Arena could come Oct. 11 against the Washington Capitals.