On June 27, 2025, the New York Islanders' new general manager Mathieu Darche made impactful moves during the NHL draft, selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall. In a strategic trade with the Montreal Canadiens, the Islanders acquired two additional first-round picks and winger Emil Heineman. Despite attempts to secure a Long Island native, Darche ended up with promising talents including Schaefer and Victor Eklund. Schaefer, already seen as an immediate replacement for the departing Noah Dobson, is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing the Islanders' roster.
In just a few hours, Mathieu Darche doubled the high end of the New York Islanders' prospect pool in what became an impressive first step toward building sustainability from within.
Honestly, I haven't met many 17-year-old kids that act like him, Darche said of Schaefer. By the end of the day, we're drafting a hell of a hockey player.
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