The NHL held its first decentralized draft outside of the COVID year. It took away from the interesting parts of the first round.

NHL Draft kicked off with the first-round on Friday night, and as expected defenseman Matthew Shaefer went No. 1 overall to the New York Islanders.

The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday in Los Angeles. Schaefer, who will turn 18 on Sept. 5, played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League the past two seasons.

The more you pick early … you’re more likely to succeed,” said Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson of the NHL draft.

Michigan’s NHL draft streak has been extended. The Pittsburgh Penguins traded up from No. 31 to No. 24 to select rising Wolverines sophomore forward Will Horcoff on Friday. Michigan has had at least one player or incoming recruit selected in the first round in nine consecutive drafts.