Mathieu Darche, the new general manager of the New York Islanders, is focusing on the 2025 NHL Draft to determine which player will be chosen with the No. 1 overall pick. The Islanders are expected to use this pick, with top prospects including defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Michael Misa and James Hagens. The selection will be made on June 27 in Los Angeles.
Darche stated at his introductory press conference that he anticipates making a pick, emphasizing the importance of due diligence. Although he is open to trade offers, he expects to draft a special player. The Islanders, who missed the playoffs and saw Lou Lamoriello depart as president of hockey operations and general manager, secured the No. 1 pick after winning the Draft Lottery on May 5, despite having only a 3.5% chance.
The upcoming draft is not seen as particularly strong, but Schaefer, Misa, and Hagens are recognized as the top prospects, though they may require more development time before transitioning to the NHL. Schaefer and Misa have backgrounds in the Ontario Hockey League, while Hagens, from Hauppauge, NY, attends Boston College.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com