The New York Islanders have won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and will pick first overall for the first time since 2009.
Unlike most drafts, the 2025 class lacks a consensus top prospect, though there are a few leading contenders.
We gave you the names last night on The Elmonters, but let’s do more of a deep dive, shall we?
Matthew Schaefer (Defenseman)
Matthew Schaefer is widely viewed as the top prospect in the class, though it is not guaranteed that he will hear his name first.
The Hamilton, Ontario native stands 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, and played just 17 games for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League in 2024-25 after breaking his collarbone at the World Junior Championship.
In those 17 games, he had 22 points (five goals, 17 assists), showcasing an offensive upside headlined by elite skating, vision, and skill.
Schaefer is also just 17 years old, not turning 18 until 10 days before the cutoff in September, making him one of the youngest draft-eligible players.
Many scouts have labeled him as the highest-upside player in the draft, with some projecting him as a likely top-pairing NHL defenseman and potential generational talent.
The Islanders currently lack defensive talent, especially on the left side, so adding Schaefer would position them to add a potential superstar to the blue line.
James Hagens (Center)
James Hagens, a Hauppauge, Long Island native, is a leading contender to hear his name called by the Islanders in June.
The 5-foot-11, 18-year-old joined Boston College a year early and scored 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games in 2024-25.
He also scored nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven games at the World Junior Championship (WJC) en route to a gold medal alongside Islanders prospects Cole Eiserman and Danny Nelson.
While Hagens was viewed as the draft’s top prospect heading into the season, he has fallen, with rankings ranging throughout the top six.
Although he is no longer the consensus top prospect, the local kid should not be written off to go first overall.
Hagens developed on Long Island, making him a true success story for the investments the Islanders franchise has made into its surrounding communities.
Most importantly, despite what many think, he still had a strong 2024-25 season.
While most players stay in junior leagues for their draft-year seasons, Hagens took the leap to college, challenging himself to tougher competition.
Of course, he was on the powerhouse Boston College Eagles, but he demonstrated an ability to drive offense in a situation easily overshadowed by teammates.
He did this not only with the Eagles but also at the World Juniors, finishing seventh in the U20 tournament in points and fourth in goals, outplaying elite competition despite being two years younger than many players.
All things considered, Hagens’ 2024-25 season was very strong, and he would be a deserving first-overall pick.
Michael Misa (Center)
After returning to center from the wing in 2024-25, Michael Misa showed why he was one of just nine players to be granted exceptional status in CHL history.
Misa, 18, finished the season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games as captain of the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit.
He led the league in points and finished second in both goals and assists.
Misa did this with his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, offering a speedy, offensive-focused game.
While Hagens is the hometown kid, Misa has a case to go first overall if the Islanders want a forward.
Misa’s 134 points are the most by an OHL skater since 2006-07, when Patrick Kane had 145 points in 58 games.
The last Islanders' first overall pick, John Tavares, had 134 points that season, though he did so in 67 games, two more than Misa.
The point totals speak for themselves, but the eye test also supports Misa’s case. He is a dynamic forward capable of taking over a game like few others can.
Other Options
With the top selection, the Islanders will most likely take one of Schaefer, Hagens, or Misa, but there are other options.
Anton Frondell is the consensus top European skater, while Porter Martone and Caleb Desnoyers also had strong CHL seasons.
It would be shocking if the Islanders deviated from one of Schaefer, Hagens, or Misa.
The 2025 NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.
Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.