Matthew Schaefer, with Friday's decision by the New York Islanders, became the second Erie Otters chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in an NHL draft.

Following Connor McDavid, Matthew Schaefer becomes the second Erie Otter—and first OHL player since 2015—drafted first overall.

The New York Rangers had to wait 43 picks to make their first selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, but snagged what most experts considered one of the best values of the second round. Malcolm Spence, a forward from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, was taken by the Blueshirts with pick No. 43 overall on June 28.