On Aug. 4, Matthew Schaefer threw out the first pitch at Citi Field, prior to a game between the New York Mets and the Cleveland Guardians. The joy of throwing out the first pitch was likely overshadowed by the feeling of signing his first NHL contract.
The New York Islanders took to X to announce the signing of the 2025 first overall pick, agreeing on a three-year, $975,000 contract, according to PuckPedia.
Although it’s always felt likely that Schaefer would sign his ELC, there were rumors that the 17-year-old could spend a season in college, joining any of the prestigious NCAA teams that would have been over the moon to bring him into their program. Signing his ELC means that the ship has sailed, but there is a small possibility that he returns to the Erie Otters in the OHL for another season, but that seems incredibly unlikely. At the very least, he’ll be given his 10-game trial before the first year of his ELC burns.
The most probable situation for Schaefer is that he plays sheltered third-pairing minutes on the Islanders to start the season and slowly earns more ice time. The Islanders can also loan him to Team Canada at the world juniors if they feel he is struggling and a confidence booster is needed.
Another player in an almost identical situation is the San Jose Sharks' 2025 second overall pick, Michael Misa. He, too, has been heavily linked to the NCAA, and the longer he goes without a contract, the more significance the situation holds.
One slight difference between Misa and Schaefer is that Schaefer can return to the OHL knowing he has things to prove. Schaefer played just 17 games last season while dealing with an injury, and although he looked dominant, scoring seven goals and 22 points, it wasn’t at the level at which Misa dominated.
There wasn’t really a player who could hold a candle to Misa in the OHL, scoring 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games, taking home OHL MVP honors and finishing with the most points, 10 more than the next closest player.
Misa, like Schaefer, has all the makings of what the modern-day player in their position looks like. Misa is a transition monster, has a quick release, which opens up play-making opportunities and has some of the best hands in the 2025 draft class. His understanding of how to protect the puck around the boards and how to bait defenders into opening up space for him is NHL-ready. Defensively, he hounds down pucks and plays smart, positional hockey.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, the 18-year-old could benefit from a college season where he adds more muscle and weight to his frame, as well as playing in a tournament like the World Junior Championship.
Alternatively, the Sharks won’t be competing for a playoff spot next season, which is sometimes a suitable situation for young players. Like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith did in their rookie campaigns, Misa can fail and learn from his mistakes in the NHL without the consequences of the NHL standings. He could skate as the organization's No.2 center with veteran Alexander Wennberg skating on the third line behind him to provide veteran leadership.
Misa is the remaining top-three pick to have not signed his ELC, after Schaefer did, and Anton Frondell signed his with the Chicago Blackhawks on July. 15. Ultimately, the Sharks and Misa should avoid comparisons to Schaefer and the Islanders' situation and do what they believe is best for his development.
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