LOS ANGELES -- Matthew Schaefer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-potential-no-1-pick-matthew-schaefer-opens-up-about-grief-strength-his-mother-s-legacy] is not a member of the New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] organization just yet, but all signs are pointing to that with the 2025 NHL Draft just a day away. While Schaefer has never been to Long Island — he did attend a Morgan Wallen concert in the city — he does have some familiarity with the organization. His agent, Pat Morris, represents Islanders forward Bo Horvat, Casey Cizikas, and the recently retired Matt Martin. The Hockey News asked Schaefer what it's been like to get to know Horvat. "Yeah, it'd be awesome. He's with my agency," Schaefer said. "He's been a great guy. I've heard so many great things about him, and I heard he's a great leader. To have that guy in your corner is amazing." The 17-year-old defenseman is training under the tutelage of former NHLer Mark Giordano and will also be skating with Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech this summer. "Yeah, he's a great defenseman," Schaefer said. "I honestly haven't gone into that much depth with him, but I mean, he's told me a lot of great things. He’s a great player, so it's pretty easy for him." What else does Schaefer know about the Islanders organization? "I've heard a lot about the team. Bo Horvat. I know really well," Schaefer said. "I honestly don't watch hockey that much, to be honest. For me, I love being at the rink. It's all hockey. When I'm away from it, it's going out for dinner with your teammates, doing a lot of things away from the rink, so you can get that mental refresh, be a kid. I, honestly, don't watch hockey that much or sports in general. I like playing it more than watching it." While Schaefer hasn't met Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, he mentioned that he was at the Upper Deck event and saw a lot of Roy-autographed things. As for general manager Mathieu Darche, Schaefer loved meeting him. "It was really cool. He is a great guy," Schaefer said. "I read a lot of great things about him. And obviously, he met all the talk about him. So I'm really happy that he got the GM job. I'm happy for him. And, yeah, a lot of, a lot of great stuff coming for the organization." The 2025 NHL Draft begins on Friday night at 7 PM ET. 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 [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
