Matthew Schaefer is considered a top pick for the 2025 NHL Draft and it isn't hard to see why.
Matthew Schaefer is considered a top pick for the 2025 NHL Draft and it isn't hard to see why.
Matthew Schaefer scored a pair of goals in Erie's 6-3 victory over Sault St. Marie stretching his current point streak to six games. His performance so far this season is solidifying in many people's minds why he is considered a top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Schaefer scored Erie's first goal last night on the power play. The lanky defender drove the puck through the neutral zone before firing it through the wickets of goaltender Charlie Schenkel.
The goal wasn't complicated or fancy. It was a raw display of poise and skill. Schaefer read the play and took what the defense gave him. The result was a big goal for Erie.
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The alternate captain's second goal of the night came on what appeared to be a harmless shot from the point. It took a funny bounce in the slot before spinning up and over the shoulder of Schenkel to give Erie a 4-2 lead.
The game ultimately ended as a 6-3 victory for the Otters. Notably, new addition Callum Hughes ended his first game since transferring from the BCHL with a goal and an assist.
Schaefer, a 2007-born defender set a new personal high in points last night with 18 points in just 13 games played. He scored 17 points in 56 games last year. Even more impressive is that Schaefer had a delayed start to the season due to contracting mononucleosis.
If he continues to score at his current pace, he will finish the season with 27 goals and 54 assists for a total of 81 points. These totals would blow his totals from last year out of the water.
Schaefer is considered by many to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He was ranked second by Bob Mackenzie and third by Craig Button in their early rankings. He is ranked fifth by McKeen's.
At 6-foot-2, Schaefer is a defender with great skills in both the offensive and defensive zones. He excels at making great offensive reads and using his strong footwork to outmaneuver his opponent. While his work in the O-zone is impressive equally gifted defensively.
He and Porter Martone will lead the CHL squad at the upcoming CHL USA Hockey Prospects Challenge. The contest will see U-18 squads from both countries compete in front of NHL scouts.
While Schaefer has been impressive through his first 13 games, there is a lot more to come in the season. If he continues the way he started we could see him rising up draft boards.