The New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] announced that they have signed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-draft-matthew-schaefer-with-first-overall-pick-at-2025-nhl-draft] to his entry-level deal. Just because Schaefer signed his ELC, that doesn't mean he's going to be on the NHL roster this fall. The soon-to-be 18-year-old's goal is to make the Islanders out of training camp, where he'll likely be battling with Isaiah George for the final starting blue-line spot. However, if Schaefer doesn't make the team, he'll be sent back to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, where he must remain until the OHL season comes to an end before being recalled. Signing his ELC eliminates Schaefer from going the collegiate route. The most likely route for Schaefer and the Islanders is to give him a nine-game sample size at the NHL level before making a decision. Once Schaefer plays in NHL game No. 10, he will burn a year off his ELC, and that's not ideal, hence the nine-game sample size we see often around the league. Regardless of how this all plays out, signing his ELC is a huge moment for Schaefer and the franchise. PHOTO: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
