The NHL Draft is right around the corner and Sportsvival is here to help go over the top prospects who should be selected on June 27th in Los Angeles.
Today we scout:
D- Matthew Schaefer
(OHL) Erie Otters
6’2” 183 lbs.
Matthew Schaefer was born on September 5, 2007 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
He played for the Halton Hurricanes of the South-Central Triple A Hockey League in 2022-2023, Schaefer recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 25 games, earning player of the year honors.
Following the season, he was selected first overall in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft by the Erie Otters.
Schaefer was the third overall pick in Erie Otters history, joining Ryan O’Reilly and Connor McDavid.
The rookie played big minutes in 2023-2024 and finished the season with three goals and 14 assists in 56 games. Schaefer earned first-team all-rookie honors. His rookie season was even more impressive with the personal struggles he suffered, as both his mother and his billet mother died during the season.
Schaefer began the 2024-2025 season with mononucleosis, missing the first nine games before being cleared to play. His season came to an end during the 2025 World Junior Championships when he suffered a broken collarbone in a 3-2 loss to Latvia.
Schaefer has played extensively in International play:
Represented Ontario and was the team’s captain at the 2023 Canada Winter Games
Won gold with the Canadian under-17 team at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge, again as captain.
Won gold medal at the 2024 World U18 Championships
Captained Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, again winning gold.
Had a goal and assist before breaking his collarbone in the 2025 World Junior Championships
What does the tape say?
Positives
No. 1 defensemen on day one
Cerebral…can control the style and tempo of play
Plays a controlled and calming game
Transitions defense to offense quickly
Strong skater…elite edge work
Creative in offensive zone…quick release on shot
Plays well all over the ice
Negatives
Risk taker at times
Size…like most other prospects…he needs to add muscle
Injury prone concerns
What the Vival sees:
Matthew Schaefer may not be that electric, generational talent that is usually selected No. 1 overall, but his hockey IQ and complete game may be too hard for the New York Islanders to pass up.
Matthew Schaefer reminds Sportsvival a lot of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Both players have the ability to take control of a game at any time from any zone.