Matthew Schaefer's NHL dream is just waiting on the Islanders
LOS ANGELES — Nothing is final until it's final, and no one, least of all Matthew Schaefer, is acting otherwise.
But let's put it this way: Through a media session that lasted nearly 17 minutes Thursday morning on a pool deck in downtown Los Angeles, Schaefer was asked double-digit questions about going No. 1 and playing for the Islanders.
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The Sharks, who pick second, weren't mentioned.
So you might say there's a widespread expectation for how things will play out at the Peacock Theater on Friday, the same way there's a widespread expectation this decentralized draft format will be one-and-done.
'It'll mean everything,' Schaefer said of how he expects to feel upon hearing his name called Friday. 'It's every kid's dream, especially mine. You work so hard up to this point and to hear it, it's obviously really cool, but the work just starts now.'
Schaefer, a wiry 17-year-old defenseman standing 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, heads into the draft as the consensus top prospect, having edged out center Michael Misa through force of personality and a tour de force of an injury-shortened season.
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Matthew Schaefer is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
NHLI via Getty Images
Schaefer played just 17 games with the OHL's Erie Otters last season and two more with Team Canada at the World Juniors, where his season ended thanks to a broken clavicle. Doesn't matter.
He spent those games dominating and spent his time off the ice showing qualities that make people think he'll be a future NHL captain, in particular standing up to immense adversity after his mother and billet mom died within two months of each other last year.
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It has the league thinking he'll be the newest member of the Islanders by 7:20 or so Friday evening.
'Obviously, I wish she could be there. I think that's probably the biggest thing I'll be thinking about when I hear my name called,' Schaefer said. 'But I know she'll be smiling down. I know she's gonna be with me in spirit. I know my dad and brother will probably have some tears. I think I'm gonna have some tears. We'll see, though. I guess time will tell.'
Schaefer, who's trained this offseason with former defenseman Mark Giordano as part of a group that includes Adam Pelech, confirmed he'll be a full participant at development camp for whichever team picks him. (If it's the Islanders, that would mean as soon as Monday).
played just 17 games with the OHL's Erie Otters last season.
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Though he's never been to Long Island — he went to a Morgan Wallen concert in the city last year, but that's his only time in New York — Schaefer also said he knows Bo Horvat, as the two share an agent.
'It'd be awesome [to be his teammate],' Schaefer said. 'He's with my agency. He's been a great guy. I think I've heard so many things about him and he's a great leader. To have that guy in your corner would be amazing.'
On the ice from Long Island
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As a skater and puck mover, Schaefer already looks like an NHL player.
As is normal for any draftee, he'll need to put on some muscle over the summer, but even though he won't turn 18 until September, it looks highly possible Schaefer will start next season in the NHL.
He joked Thursday that whatever team picks him will be getting a 'great singer and dancer.' Then he got a little more serious.
'On the ice, a two-way defenseman that can play all over the ice,' he said. 'Power play, penalty kill, very competitive and loves to win. Off the ice, I love to talk, as you guys can tell. I'm a leader, but honestly, the fans mean a lot to me. If they want autographs or anything — I don't know why they'd want one but if they do — and pictures, I love taking the time 'cause they come out to support us so much.'
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