Islanders GM makes emotions crystal clear on doubtlessly buying and selling away No. 1 decide in 2025 NHL draft

The New York Islanders secured the No. 1 decide within the 2025 NHL Draft after profitable the draft lottery, however GM Mathieu Darche has made it clear he doesn’t intend to commerce away the dear decide.

During Tuesday’s NHL Scouting Combine, Darche mentioned the Islanders haven’t made a ultimate choice on who they’ll take with the highest decide. However, he made it clear he expects the group to maintain the decide as an alternative of buying and selling it.

“You’ve got to be open to everything, but I’d be shocked if we’re not the one speaking first,” Darche mentioned. “When [Commissioner] Gary [Bettman] announces the first pick, I’d be shocked if it’s not the New York Islanders.” (per NHL.com)

The Islanders received the draft lottery regardless of having the tenth-best odds to safe the No. 1 decide. With an opportunity so as to add an elite prospect, Darche doesn’t appear all for dealing away the dear decide for quick assist.

Darche famous there are various good gamers out there with the highest decide, and he’s utilizing the scouting mix to fulfill with prospects and get to know his scouting employees. He expressed confidence that the decide will yield a robust participant who can contribute for years to come back.

“I expect us to make the pick. … You have to do your due diligence. Anybody that calls, you have to listen. But someone would have to really knock my socks off to trade that pick because we’re going to get a special player.” Darche mentioned.

The first spherical of the 2025 NHL Draft will happen on June 27 in Los Angeles. Darche is totally anticipating to make the Islanders’ first general decide, until one thing unexpected comes up.

Islanders GM Mathieu Darche on about attainable No.1 draft decide Matthew Schaefer

Mathieu Darche has his eye on defenseman Matthew Schaefer as a possible primary general decide within the upcoming NHL draft. The 17-year-old Schaefer, who performs for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, is ranked first amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

“There’s a lot of good players in this draft. Some names are talked more than others, but there’s other very good players. Matthew, obviously, is an elite defenseman. Leadership, character is impressive. He can play both sides of the ice. He’s a great skater,” Darche mentioned.

Schaefer’s season was restricted to only 17 video games as a consequence of a fractured clavicle suffered whereas taking part in for Canada on the 2025 World Juniors in December. Now totally healed, he’ll take part in health testing this weekend.

Darche and the Islanders employees met with Schaefer for dinner earlier this week and got here away impressed by his management and character.