According to Sportsnet NHL Draft analyst Jason Bukala, Matthew Schaefer, a standout player from Erie in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), is undoubtedly the best player available for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. With the New York Islanders securing the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, Schaefer has emerged as a must-have prospect.
In a recent edition of the NHL Draft Class podcast, Bukala emphasized that Schaefer is the top prospect, stating, “He’s by far the best prospect and it’s not even debatable.” The analyst highlighted the importance of selecting the best player available when holding the first overall pick, rather than drafting for team needs. For the Islanders, adding a player like Schaefer could significantly enhance their lineup, particularly alongside defenseman Noah Dobson. With Schaefer’s skill set, the Islanders would have two players capable of quarterbacking the power play and driving the offense from the blue line.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 183 pounds, Schaefer has made a name for himself as the top-ranked player on NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters. Despite facing challenges this season, including surgery for a broken clavicle and a bout of mononucleosis that sidelined him for the first nine games, Schaefer still managed to post impressive numbers. In just 17 games, he recorded 22 points, contributing seven goals and 15 assists while maintaining a remarkable plus-21 rating.
In addition to Schaefer, Bukala discussed several other top prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft. Among them are center Michael Misa of Saginaw (OHL), center James Hagens from Boston College, and center Anton Frondell, who plays for Djurgarden in Sweden’s second division. Bukala also highlighted his top sleeper pick, right wing Alexander Zharovsky, who plays for Ufa's junior league team in Russia. Describing Zharovsky as “electric,” Bukala noted the player’s ability to excel in tight spaces and his knack for driving to the net to create scoring opportunities.
The podcast also covered the recent drama that unfolded during the live broadcast of the NHL Draft Lottery. Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale discussed the similarities and differences in their mock drafts, which outlined the teams expected to have the first 16 selections in the 2025 draft. Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated event, which will take place at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 27-28.
For more insights and updates on the 2025 NHL Draft and its prospects, listeners can subscribe to the NHL Draft Class podcast, available on all major podcast platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The podcast can also be accessed at NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and on the NHL app, providing fans with exclusive content and expert analysis.
