{"time":1750097469003,"blocks":[{"id":"tkkyZQcC3b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Matthew Schaefer, a dynamic defenseman for the Erie Otters, has emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft despite a season marked by adversity."}},{"id":"RJMiIJx0J4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A standout season amid setbacks in just 17 OHL games, Schaefer notched 7 goals and 15 assists, boasting a +21 rating and averaging over a point per game. He also captained Team Canada to gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and received the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award—an honor last earned by Connor McDavid for the Otters in 2015."}},{"id":"BvBmUPcAKA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Schaefer’s season was shortened by illness and injury, including mononucleosis and a broken collarbone during the 2025 World Juniors. Still, his elite skating, size (6'2\", 183 lbs), and poised two-way game have kept him in contention for the No. 1 overall pick."}},{"id":"XLrawk5d2j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The San Jose Sharks, who currently hold the top pick, are widely projected to take Schaefer. However, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Seattle Kraken are all showing interest."}},{"id":"ZyF8VJk9oT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For the Kraken—who lack a premier defensive prospect—Schaefer could be a game-changing addition. His skillset would complement their long-term vision and fill a critical organizational need on the blue line."}},{"id":"bwgNi5IxRb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As the draft approaches, Seattle fans should keep a close eye on Schaefer. If he's available when the Kraken pick, he could be the franchise cornerstone they’ve been searching for."}},{"id":"g7MiHBUyO8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Related"}},{"id":"6Qd8H4-ryK","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-targets-jackson-smith","meta":{"title":"Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Jackson Smith","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-targets-jackson-smith","description":"Next on the list as a possible target for the Seattle Kraken at eighth overall is Canadian defenseman Jackson Smith.\n","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8a2d4c7d-f75c-4511-89d4-51a842077ce9.webp","type":"webp"}}}},{"id":"PyE-1iU03y","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-targets-jake-o-brien","meta":{"title":"Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Jake O'Brien","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-targets-jake-o-brien","description":"As we continue to look at 2025 NHL draft-eligible prospects, we head to the OHL to analyze center Jake O'Brien and what he could provide the Seattle Kraken if they drafted him with the eighth overall pick.\n","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/af4fa955-d04f-4d25-b16d-83bcbe6edac6.webp","type":"webp"}}}},{"id":"4HtB4R14Td","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Photo Credit: Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer, left. © GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images"}},{"id":"u8xVxgcxVH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Join the discussion with others in your hockey community, create a Round Table account and comment on the Seattle Kraken Forum."}}],"version":"2.31.0-rc.7"}

Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Could Matthew Schaefer Anchor Seattle’s Blue Line Future?