Darche fully intends to keep selection; Schaefer, Misa, Hagens among options
BUFFALO — Mathieu Darche expressed he would be “shocked” if the New York Islanders aren’t the first team to make a pick at the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft later this month, although the specific name they will call remains a mystery.
“I expect to be the first to speak on June 27,” the new general manager noted on Tuesday during the NHL Scouting Combine. “You’ve got to keep an open mind, but I’d be surprised if we’re not the ones speaking first.
“When (NHL Commissioner) Gary (Bettman) announces the first pick, I would be stunned if it isn’t the New York Islanders.”
Darche, who was appointed general manager on May 23 after spending six seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is using the combine to connect with the Islanders’ amateur scouts and evaluate available prospects.
“There are many talented players,” Darche said. “We’re meeting with them this week. I know I’m going to secure a great player who hopefully will stay with the team for a long time. So, I’m not concerned about having the first pick. There are plenty of excellent players to choose from, and we’ll make our decision in a few weeks.”
The first round of the draft is scheduled for June 27 at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS). Darche reiterated at his introductory press conference at UBS Arena on May 29 that he fully intends to make the No. 1 selection.
“It’s not common for a GM to start off by having to select the best player in the draft,” Darche remarked. “I fully anticipate that we will make that pick. You need to do your homework, and you should listen to any offers that come in. However, it would take something extraordinary to persuade me to trade that pick, as we’re set to acquire a special player.”
One standout prospect is defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie team, who ranks No. 1 in NHL Central Scouting’s final list of North American skaters.
The 17-year-old defenseman only played 17 games this season due to a fractured clavicle sustained while representing Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship on December 27. He has now fully recovered and will participate in most of the fitness testing on Saturday.
Schaefer shared a dinner with Darche and the Islanders’ staff on Monday and interviewed with the team on Tuesday.
“There are many excellent players in this draft,” Darche noted. “Some names get more attention than others, but there are several very strong contenders. Matthew, of course, is an elite defenseman with impressive leadership and character. He is capable of playing on both sides of the ice and is an excellent skater.
“There are many valuable qualities that any team would be fortunate to have.”
Other potential candidates include Saginaw (OHL) center Michael Misa and Boston College center James Hagens, who are ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in Central Scouting’s final assessment.
Hagens, a Long Island native from Hauppauge, New York, grew up as an Islanders fan. Darche mentioned he is well-acquainted with Hagens, who recorded 37 points (11 goals and 26 assists) as a freshman this year, but emphasized that New York is focused on selecting the best player available.
“We need to thoroughly evaluate all the players, regardless of their background, and we’ll make the best decision we can at the time,” Darche stated.
Regardless of whom the Islanders choose, Darche noted that there’s no urgency to rush that player into the NHL lineup.
However, since 2005, only two players picked first overall did not debut in the NHL the following season: Erik Johnson, selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft, made his first appearance in 2007-08, and Owen Power, chosen by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL Draft, joined the team at the end of the 2021-22 season after completing his college season at the University of Michigan.
“The player’s performance at camp and during practices will guide our decision; I’m not fixed on one option,” Darche explained. “Ultimately, it’s how well he performs that will determine if he stays on Long Island or returns to his previous team. We’re drafting a player we want for the long haul. It’s not just about the immediate future. It’s possible the player stays with the Islanders all year, but that will be evaluated.
“There are still four months left until the start of the season, and many things can change in that time. We’re currently focused on the process. We’re going to draft a highly talented player, a special player, and then we’ll move forward from there.”
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