Top Pick Signs Deal - Schaefer's NHL Journey Officially Begins

There was a lot of hype surrounding Matthew Schaefer heading into the 2025 NHL Draft and for good reason. One of the most exciting defensive prospects in recent memory, he has all the tools necessary to become a bonafide superstar for decades to come.

Not to mention he's going to be a fan favorite for the Islanders in short time, and with the team lacking that true rookie prospect since John Tavares; things are finally looking up for New York, and he finally put pen to paper.

On Monday the Islanders announced that Schaefer had signed his entry-level contract; the standard three-year pact.

It's been part of a wild summer so far for Schaefer, who also ended up throwing out the first pitch for the New York Mets, and exchanged jerseys with Mets star outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

But it was how the team announced introduced the signing which is truly heartwarming. The Islanders invited 20 children who unfortunately lost a parent to present Schaefer his contract, and meet the rookie.

Schaefer signed jerseys, asked questions, and was finally presented with his contract from a young fan then finished things off posing with everyone.

For those who don't know, Schaefer lost both his biological and billet mother, and his story of perseverance and determination is inspirational to say the least; and showed off the love he had with his draft suit, which was adorned with childhood photos.

It's that story combined with an incredible amount of talent that has everyone excited about his future. Schaefer had 39 points in 73 games with the Erie Otters, but comes with a wide array of assets.

Schaefer is speedy, balanced, poised, offensively gifted, defensively sound, and it's genuinely hard to find a true weakness in his game; though maybe injury concerns could be something down the line.

To have all the tools at 17 years old, the Stoney Creek, Ontario native is only going to keep getting better; which might see him become a Norris winner in due time.

But signing his first deal was just the first step. Now the real journey begins.