Takeaways from the Islanders’ Meetings at the Draft Combine

The New York Islanders’ time at the 2025 NHL Draft Combine is winding down. Today is the last day of the popular event, with top prospects getting physical evaluations taken.

One thing has become increasingly clear throughout this process: The Islanders and General Manager Mathieu Darche are keeping their options wide open. Whether it’s the meals or the time spent with the top three prospects, Darche is keeping the cards close to his vest.

Matthew Schaefer impressed everybody throughout the event. His self-described chatty, friendly demeanor translated well in his talks with the media. Not only that, his tragedies (he lost his mother at 16) further instill belief in his character. Everyone knows just how talented he is on the ice. He’s proven to be just as good off of it. On the first day of the combine, the Islanders took him to dinner.

Next, the Islanders spent a lot of time with Michael Misa, as well. The top-ranked forward prospect dined with the Islanders on Thursday night, and while he lags behind Schaefer, he’s the next best on the board.

Finally, that brings the conversation to James Hagens. Hagens’ combine featured a meal with the Islanders early in the week. The Long Island native spoke at length and constantly about how badly he’d want to be an Islander, at one point specifically stating he desperately wants to bring a Stanley Cup to the Island.

What Does it All Mean?

All of this adds up to Darche and the Islanders presumably being comfortable with any of the three prospects, though Schaefer is the only player they’d take first overall. Schaefer is the best overall player in the draft with the highest ceiling, and he’s constantly ranked as the best skater. With everything he could do in all three zones, he’s become an almost no-brainer of a selection.

However, Misa and Hagens bring a lot of value themselves. Both are supremely talented forwards, with Misa holding an edge over Hagens according to most scouts.

Outside the Islanders camp, word has trickled out about what the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks want to happen. San Jose desperately wants Schaefer, while Chicago’s made it clear they want Misa.

Both, reportedly, are willing to trade up to get their desired player. How much they’d pony up is unclear, but it’s worth noting that no team has traded the first overall pick since 2003. It’d be a stunner if the Islanders do trade the pick, but that possibility only grows if the Sharks and Blackhawks get into a massive bidding war for the pick.

Other Notes:

Russ Cohen reported this morning that the Islanders made a point to speak with Cameron Schmidt. While it’s normal and the Islanders likely spoke to a ton of prospects, what stands out is where he’s ranked.

Schmidt ranks #22 in Elite Prospects’ final draft guide. The Islanders pick first, then 42nd. It’s quite possible the Islanders could try and move back into the first round, with reports that half the league put their first-round picks on the trading block. The Blackhawks, in addition to the third overall pick, hold the 25th selection. That’s perfectly in range for a player like Schmidt if Chicago makes a splashy trade up with the Islanders.

Another confirmed meeting involved Cole Eiserman and Kamil Bednarik’s teammate, Sascha Boumediene. He’s a defensive prospect expected to be in range for the Islanders’ 42nd overall pick.

Trade chatter’s everywhere. The Islanders have not been directly linked to anything, but the market’s taking shape. It’s known that the NHL does not like it when teams make trades during the Stanley Cup Final, as they feel it undermines the Stanley Cup Final.

What’s clear is that centers are going for a premium. While much has been made about Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s potential availability, Casey Cizikas holds no trade protection and an extremely cheap $2.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons. The Islanders likely will move a center between now and July 1, it’s just a matter of whom.