Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/186 lbs
Position: LHD
Team: Erie (OHL)

Matthew Schaefer's Player Profile

Corey Pronman - The Athletic - June 10th: "He’s a powerful, effortless skater who will be able to close gaps and transition up ice at a clear NHL level. He uses his feet to attack often, leading and supporting rushes very well. Schaefer is a very intelligent defenseman with legit offensive skills."

Adam Kimelman - NHL.com - June 9th: "He last played Dec. 27 during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship because of a broken clavicle, but during his limited action he displayed elite skating, a dynamic offensive game and showed that he's strong enough (6-foot-2, 183 pounds) that he can handle any situation in the defensive zone."

Mike Morreale - NHL.com - June 9th: "Schaefer is an elite skater, can kill penalties, quarterback a power play and is the projected best player of this class. He was cleared for contact on May 1 and took part in most of the fitness testing at the combine."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - June 2nd: "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. He’s got great posture and glide. He’s a balanced and flowing skater with light edges and great posture on his heels skating backwards as well as his toes going forward."

Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff - May 27th: "He’s so smart, so skilled, and the results at just about every single level have been so promising. Schaefer is hard to beat in 1-on-1 situations, and despite playing close to 30 minutes a night with Erie, he still found ways to have some outstanding underlying analytics."

Tony Ferrari - The Hockey News - May 12th: "His fluidity and poise with and without the puck were notable, and his constant desire to attack the play head-on as a puck rusher and a playmaker was incredible. Schaefer’s defensive game needs some fine-tuning, but he is a solid transitional defender, using his skating and active stick to deter chances. "

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."

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."

Matthew Schaefer's Stats

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