The New York Islanders face a conundrum in two weeks – should they draft the local boy, the ultra-talented defenseman, or the surefire points producer?
The New York Islanders have three players, among others, competing for the spotlight as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches in just two weeks. Islanders fans likely have their own opinions on who the team should select with the first overall pick.
The top three candidates are James Hagens, Matthew Schaefer, and Michael Misa. Each of these players brings unique strengths that could greatly benefit the Islanders if they were to join the organization.
But which prospect stands out as the best option? Here’s a ranking of the three along with my honest assessment.
3 – James Hagens, C/Boston College
I completely understand why Islanders fans would be excited about the prospect of James Hagens playing for them. Who wouldn’t want a local talent that could help revive the franchise’s former glory from the 1980s?
That story could make for a wonderful narrative in the real world. However, Hagens isn’t likely to turn pro this year; if he does, he’ll probably need to start in the AHL. While he displayed flashes of great potential at Boston College last season, his overall production didn’t meet expectations.
I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him drop out of the top three, and it seems like Tankathon shares that view. While I’d cheer for Hagens on Long Island, I believe there are stronger choices available.
2 – Matthew Schaefer, D/Erie
Now, imagine seeing a vintage Noah Dobson on the ice in the 2025-26 season, putting up another 70 points. That would be a dream for Islanders fans. If you also add Matthew Schaefer to the blue line, opposing teams would face serious challenges every time the Islanders enter the offensive zone.
In 2025-26, teams would have to strategize against Schaefer, creating a dilemma when he gains NHL experience. I can see why many fans would want him wearing a blue and orange sweater on draft day.
However, his history of significant injuries raises concerns for me. It’s possible it’s just a fluke, but playing only 17 games last season would hurt his draft stock in my eyes.
1 – Michael Misa, C/LW/Saginaw
If you’ve been following my draft coverage, this prediction comes as no surprise. Michael Misa is a versatile player with the potential to be a franchise face, consistently producing points. While he may not achieve a point-per-game pace in his rookie NHL season, I expect him to reach that milestone by the end of the 2026-27 season.
He possesses a unique combination of versatility, size, and scoring ability that would allow him to make an immediate impact, whether in New York or elsewhere. With Tankathon estimating him at an NHL equivalent of 54.6 points this season, it’s surprising his name isn’t mentioned alongside talents like Connor Bedard (2023) and Macklin Celebrini (2024).
While he may not be a generational talent in the same vein as Bedard or Celebrini, any forward averaging over two points per game in junior hockey with nearly ideal NHL size and the capability to play both center and wing is someone I’d choose without a second thought.
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