The Islanders opted for Matthew Schaefer as the first pick in the NHL Draft, aligned with expectations. GM Mathieu Darche also traded Noah Dobson for picks 16 and 17, acquiring Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. Despite attempts to draft James Hagens, the team expressed satisfaction with their selections. Schaefer's selection was emotionally significant, as he honored his late mother with a tribute on stage, adding depth to his story as a top prospect.
"We looked at all our options. There's a reason that James got picked and teams didn't want to move that pick, because he's a good player."
"Schaefer, who lost his mother, Jennifer, to cancer in February 2024, shed tears on stage as he thought of her... The Islanders placed a cancer ribbon on the jersey."
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