Islanders No. 1 Pick: Trade Rumors Addressed
- New York Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche is navigating a flurry of calls as he prepares for his first NHL draft at the helm.
- He added that he is still evaluating all options to improve the New York Islanders.
- Schaefer, along with centers Michael Misa of Canada and Anton Frondell of Sweden, are projected to be the top three selections in the upcoming draft.
Islanders General Manager Darche has definitively stated teh team will not trade its No.1 overall NHL draft pick. Focus is squarely on the upcoming draft, amidst swirling trade rumors. The consensus leans toward defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the top selection. Explore all the latest Islanders news. Darche is actively evaluating all options to bolster the new York Islanders, including the possibility of acquiring local talent James Hagens. News Directory 3 has the inside scoop. Understand Darche’s commitment to building a competitive team,including his thoughts on Schaefer and exploring other draft possibilities. Discover what’s next as the Islanders prepare for the draft, analyzing all options to improve their roster.
Islanders GM Darche Focused on NHL Draft, Keeping Top Pick
Updated June 26, 2025
New York Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche is navigating a flurry of calls as he prepares for his first NHL draft at the helm. Despite the numerous inquiries, Darche has made one thing clear: the islanders are holding onto their No. 1 overall pick. The consensus is that they will select defenseman Matthew Schaefer on Friday.
“I’m not trading the 1,” Darche told reporters. He added that he is still evaluating all options to improve the New York Islanders. “Teams are calling you about various options… my job is to do my due diligence and see what’s out there.”
Schaefer, along with centers Michael Misa of Canada and Anton Frondell of Sweden, are projected to be the top three selections in the upcoming draft. San Jose, which drafted Macklin Celebrini No. 1 overall last year, and Chicago, which picked Connor bedard in 2023, hold the second and third picks, respectively.
Darche spoke highly of Schaefer, calling him an “impressive young man” and a “hell of a player.” However, he also noted the depth of talent available. “Irrespective of who we pick on Friday, we’ll get a special player that’s going to help the New York Islanders fairly quickly,” Darche said.
The possibility of the Islanders trading to acquire Long Island native James Hagens has also been a topic of discussion. Hagens, a likely top-10 pick, grew up attending Islanders games at Nassau Coliseum and has garnered local support.
“I’m looking at everything,” Darche stated. “If I feel the opportunity warrants that trade, I’ll try it…I’m looking at all options to improve our team.”
Hagens acknowledged the local support, recounting instances of fans approaching him, including one sighting of a “Bring Hagens Home” bumper sticker. “Moments like that, it puts a smile on your face,” Hagens said.
What’s next
Darche and the Islanders will continue their preparations leading up to Friday’s NHL draft, weighing their options and assessing potential moves to bolster the team’s roster.