Monday’s light practice offered few clues toward that end. It is rare, though, for a No. 1 pick not to start the season in the NHL, and going into the start of free agency Tuesday, the Islanders blue line looked ripe for Schaefer to grab a spot.

As Schaefer’s NHL prospects rose in 2023 while he was playing for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, his billet mom, Emily Matson, died by an apparent suicide. Months later, his mother, Jennifer, died following a two-year battle with breast cancer. The following December, Otters owner Jim Waters died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

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.