Doerrie predicted that the Islanders would use the No. 1 pick on Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The 17-year-old was limited to just 17 games in the 2024-25 season after he suffered a broken collarbone while playing for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors. In those 17 games, he scored five goals and had 22 points.

Michael Misa has already demonstrated during his brief career that he is quite willing to put his team first, which isn't a test that has been given to many players good enough to be top picks in the NHL draft.