On Monday, the New York Islanders inked first overall pick Matthew Schaefer to his three-year entry-level deal as he walked to the Citi Field mound to throw out the inaugural first pitch.
Islanders Sign No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer To Entry-Level Deal
The <a href="http://thn.com/isles">New York Islanders</a> announced that they have signed No. 1 overall pick <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-draft-matthew-schaefer-with-first-overall-pick-at-2025-nhl-draft">Matthew Schaefer</a> to his entry-level deal.
Prior to the game, he did a jersey swap with New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo, showcasing his No. 48 Islanders jersey for the first time after rocking No. 71 at development camp.
“Obviously, I had to work for my number, and I had to work for a spot on the team, and I still have to do that, right?” Schaefer said. “I got the number, but I still got to work for a spot on the team. And, like I said, there's still a lot of work, and I gotta put my head down, put my work boots on, and get to work. Still a lot of work to come and a lot of exciting times, but can't wait for everything."
So, you may be wondering...why No. 48?
The reason is because of his brother Johnny, who was a huge Danny Briere fan.
"I'll give you a quick background information on why I wear No. 48," Schaefer told us at the 2025 NHL Combine up in Buffalo. "So my brother wore 48 because of Danny Briere, and then I wore it because my brother, so it was a big 360 moment. I mean, we're in Buffalo right now, and my brother met Danny Briere in Buffalo at a hockey tournament [when we were younger]. Danny was coaching his son, and then he ended up coming to meet my brother. Briere went to his eye level. He talked to him. And from that day on, my brother wanted to wear 48, and it's a great number. Very unique, obviously, Mr. Briere wore it. So, a pretty good player to wear the number.
"It's pretty cool. He's a great person. I've got to know him. He's a really good person I got to meet. He cares about me a lot, and I'm very happy for everything they've accomplished with Philadelphia. They have a great team, obviously, a great organization, and a great staff."
While the Flyers had an early pick in the first round, Briere knew that landing Schaefer wasn't happening, but that wasn't going to change anything about their relationship.
"We text all the time. He will always have my back no matter what happens," Schaefer said. "I mean, he tells me he's just one call away. He's got to know my family. I got to know him. He really cares about people, and I'm happy I have someone like him."
So, there you have it, the story on why Schaefer will be rocking No. 48.
PHOTO: Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images