There are a few likely suspects the Islanders will seriously consider for the No. 1 overall pick, but one player hasn’t been given as much credit.
Three Top Candidates for Islanders’ First Overall Pick — But One Sleeper Could Change the Narrative
As the New York Islanders prepare to make the top selection in the upcoming draft, three names are firmly in the mix: James Hagens, Michael Misa, and Matthew Schaefer. Among them, I’m especially high on Misa. His 134-point season, which included 62 goals and 72 assists in just 65 games, showcases the kind of offensive explosion that could immediately translate to solid production at the NHL level.
Matthew Schaefer would be an even stronger candidate if not for the injury that cut his season short. Still, elite two-way players like him are rare in any draft class, making him a worthy option despite the health concern.
Then there’s James Hagens — a local talent whose game, frankly, hasn’t impressed me. If the Islanders were to pick him at No. 1, I’d consider it a reach — for now, at least. Time may prove me wrong by 2030, but at this moment, there’s another name I’d prioritize over Hagens.
Why Porter Martone Deserves Strong Consideration
Enter Porter Martone. His size alone — 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds — immediately caught my eye when reviewing the 2025 draft class. While his stats don’t quite match Misa’s, posting 98 points and 37 goals in 57 games is still significant. More importantly, Martone brings a powerful presence with true NHL-ready size, which could allow him to thrive in the tough areas around the net.
He also has underrated playmaking ability, and his combination of strength, reach, and offensive IQ could give him the edge long-term. To be clear, I’m not saying Martone is a better overall prospect than Misa — if I had to choose today, I’d still lean Misa at No. 1. But Martone deserves to be in that conversation based on his complete package.
Drafting Martone Comes With a Longer Timeline
One possible downside to selecting Martone is the signal it sends: rebuilding. If the Isles were to go with Schaefer or Misa, it might indicate more of a quick retool. But taking Martone — or even Hagens — suggests a longer-term vision and potentially a three-to-five-year development window.
That doesn’t mean a rebuild is a bad idea — it just means fans should brace for a delayed payoff. Still, Martone’s upside is massive. If he adds another 15–20 pounds of muscle and continues to grow physically, he could develop into much more than a large-framed forward with skill. He could become the kind of cornerstone player any franchise would love to build around.
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