The hierarchy within this 2025 NHL Draft, where the Islanders vaulted into the top overall pick in shocking fashion on Monday night, looks relatively simple for the new president of hockey operations to navigate when one is hired.
The top three, it’s generally agreed upon, are defenseman Matthew Schaefer followed by forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens, with Schaefer holding top billing in 13 of 17 rankings compiled by Elite Prospects.
At first glance, that is a tad confusing given Schaefer played just 17 games this past season in the Ontario Hockey League, missing time first with mononucleosis and then with a broken collarbone suffered at World Junior Championships.
It is what he did in those games, along with various international competitions over the past year, combined with his age — Schaefer doesn’t turn 18 until September 5 and is one of the youngest players in this draft class — that has him at the top of all those rankings right now.
