The article discusses the San Jose Sharks' anticipated selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, focusing on NHL scout insights about the top-seven prospects. Matthew Schaefer is highlighted as the consensus No. 1 pick overall, though the scout notes he may only be a strong No. 2 defenseman. Despite Schaefer's impressive skills and competitiveness, he lacks a defining element that would elevate him to a true No. 1 blueliner, especially after his season was shortened due to injury, creating some uncertainty about his potential.
"He is smart. He has skill for a defenseman, for sure. There is a competitiveness to him ... He'll be a good two-way defenseman, but he's not gonna have a big game on either side of the puck."
"I don't think he's a bona fide No. 1, more a super-good No. 2. Not a ton of holes in his game."
"When you go up in levels, and everything becomes tougher, timing, [you have] less space, [your elite junior skills take] a little bit of a step back..."
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