The Erie Otters were given a glimmer of hope on Monday night regarding the possibility of one of their best players returning for the 2025-26 season, albeit that light is on the dimmest setting.
The New York Islanders organization announced that they have signed first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer to a three-year entry-level contract, with a cap hit of $975,000. He has the opportunity to make up to $3.5 million in performance bonuses in each year of his deal.
By signing an NHL contract, Schaefer ends any speculation about playing in the NCAA next season. He will play in the NHL, OHL, or somewhere in Europe for the 2025-26 season.
Schaefer lost his mother to breast cancer in 2024. The Islanders organization had a special moment planned, inviting 20 children who have lost a parent to meet him, and present him with his first NHL contract.
Schaefer, 17, is a special kid who is poised to have a bright NHL future. He possesses all the makings and intangibles to be the Islanders’ franchise player and future captain. His perseverance, mental fortitude, and maturity for a 17-year-old are incredible. It would come as a shock if he didn’t start and play the full upcoming season in the NHL.
However, the fleet-footed defenseman went through a lot last season. He missed the start of the season due to suffering from mononucleosis and didn’t play his first game of the season until Oct. 24.
Upon his return, Schaefer was dominant and took over games for the Otters. He recorded 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in 17 games and was a +21.
Schaefer left in early December to represent Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Although he was an underage player at the event, he didn’t look out of place and belonged on the team. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken collarbone in Canada’s second game of the tournament against Latvia, after he went full speed into the net.
The injury Schaefer suffered at the World Juniors not only knocked him out for the tournament but also for the rest of the season.
With all the time he missed last year, jumping right into game action, specifically into the NHL, won’t be easy. If his first nine-game stint goes poorly, there’s an opportunity for the Otters to get back their superstar defenseman.
It’s a slim chance, but unlike the Brampton Steelheads with Porter Martone, it’s not a forgone conclusion just yet that Schaefer’s time in the OHL is over.
Erie already lost their second-overall pick from the 2022 OHL Draft, Malcolm Spence, to the NCAA. Spence committed to the University of Michigan in early May and is headed over there for the upcoming season.
A new era is on the horizon for the Otters. Not only are they losing Spencer and most likely Schaefer, overage forwards Sam Alfano, Pano Fimis, and Martin Misiak all have aged out of the OHL. Also, captain Carey Terrance is likely headed to the AHL to being his professional career.
(Top photo credit: OHL Images)
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