Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/183 lbs
Position: LHD
Team: Erie (OHL)

Matthew Schaefer's Player Profile

Jason Bukala - Sportsnet - March 26th: "Schaefer is a complete player. He’s a massive threat off the rush with his pace and puck skill and sees the ice exceptionally well when distributing on the power play. He’s engaged defensively and is one of the most competitive and mature prospects in the draft class."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - March 25th: "When you consider that Schaefer was less than two weeks away from being eligible for the 2026 draft, and the maturity and smarts that already exist in his game, there’s a lot to get excited about. But it’s his brilliant, frankly incredible skating (he’s the best-skating D in the class) that really elevates his projection as a potential No. 1 D and two-way transition monster."

Smaht Scouting - March 23rd: "An elite skater and mature beyond his years, Schaefer’s mobility, puck-moving ability, and defensive awareness make him a high-end No. 1 or 2 defenseman. He dictates play in all zones, recovers effortlessly, and blends poise with playmaking upside."

Kareem Elshafey FC Hockey - March 9th: "He was the best player at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and in his short-lived World Juniors experience, he looked like Canada’s best blueliner. He has the potential to be a no. 1 defenseman who plays in all situations, headlined by his elite skating ability, offensive capabilities, and an incredibly smart way of defending."

Tony Ferrari - The Hockey News - February 28th: "Offensively, the draft's top defender is a dynamic presence who loves to lead the rush, activate off the blueline and act as a fourth forward who is weaving through pockets of space and attacking at will. His passing is always geared toward the dangerous areas of the ice, funnelling pucks to the middle."

Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - February 26th: "Despite limited game action this season, he has shown enough against high-level competition to have separated himself from the rest of the group."

Adam Kimelman - NHL.com - February 21st: "Schaefer is the best skater in this draft class. His offensive game is dynamic, and he's strong enough (6-foot-2, 183 pounds) to handle any situation in the defensive zone."

Mike Morreale - NHL.com - February 21st: "Schaefer is one of the youngest players available for the draft; he won't turn 18 until Sept. 5. An elite skater, he can kill penalties and quarterback a power play."

Matthew Schaefer's Stats

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