Corey Pronman details what to expect from the New York Islanders’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system. 2025 Draft Grade: A+. The Islanders brought the most clear

The Islanders took defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL draft, making him the fifth defenseman drafted first overall since 2000.

So Darche has made a big move to kick off his tenure that could backfire, and what Darche does with those two additional picks will enter the equation. But hanging on to the #1 overall pick and selecting Schaefer was a no-brainer.