Jackpot on the Island: The Isles Land the No. 1 Pick in the 2025 NHL Draft
- Will Tondo
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
It was yet another season fulled with disappointment and headaches. In a twist that even the most optimistic Islanders fan couldn't have scripted, the New York Islanders have won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. With a mere 3.5% chance, the Isles leapfrogged nine teams to secure the first overall pick for the first time since 2009, when they selected John Tavares.
This unexpected windfall comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. The Islanders recently parted ways with longtime GM Lou Lamoriello, leaving a leadership vacuum just as the team faces a critical decision that could shape its future for years to come.
The current roster boasts talents like Mathew Barzal and Ilya Sorokin, but the team has struggled to find consistent success. The addition of a top-tier prospect could provide the spark needed to elevate the Islanders back into contention.
With the top pick in hand, the Islanders face a classic draft dilemma: select the best available player or trade down to acquire more assets. The 2025 draft class is rich with talent, and trading the first pick could yield a substantial return. However, passing up the opportunity to select a potential franchise cornerstone is a risky move.
Islanders 2025 NHL Draft:The Contenders for No. 1
Several prospects are in the conversation for the top selection, but if the Islanders hold onto the No. 1 pick, the choice likely comes down to three names: Michael Misa, James Hagens, or Matthew Schaefer. Each one brings something unique to the table, but the best fit depends on how the Isles want to shape their identity going forward.
Michael Misa (C/LW, Saginaw Spirit): A dynamic forward who tallied 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games. Misa's offensive prowess makes him an enticing option.
Why pick him? He’s the flashiest name on the board. The first exceptional status player granted early entry into the OHL since Connor McDavid, Misa posted a jaw-dropping 134 points this season. His elite skating, IQ, and scoring instincts scream franchise forward.
Why it makes sense: The Islanders desperately lack a game-breaking, dynamic forward who can tilt the ice. Misa could be the long-term replacement for aging core players like Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri.
James Hagens (C, Boston College): A Long Island native with strong playmaking abilities. Hagens' local ties and skill set could make him a fan favorite.
Why pick him? Long Island born and raised. Hagens is a cerebral, smooth-skating playmaker who dominated college hockey as a freshman with BC. He has the potential to be a top-line center who makes everyone around him better.
Why it makes sense: He’s a hometown kid who could become the next face of the franchise—and that matters in a market looking to reconnect with its roots. Plus, a Hagens-Barzal combo down the middle would be nasty.
Matthew Schaefer (D, Erie Otters): A 6'2" defenseman known for his skating and hockey IQ. Despite an injury-shortened season, Schaefer remains a top prospect.
Why pick him? The top defenseman in the draft, Schaefer is a modern blueliner with size (6'2"), skating, and elite puck-moving abilities. Think a lite version of Miro Heiskanen.
Why it makes sense: The Isles' pipeline is thin on elite defensemen. Pairing Schaefer with Dobson or Romanov down the line gives them a long-term, cost-controlled top pairing.
My Pick?
As much as James Hagens makes sense with being a hometown kid, it would be a stretch at the 1st overall. He’s listed around 5’10” and 165 lbs. That’s not tiny by NHL standards anymore, but he’s going to need to bulk up to handle top-six center duties against NHL-sized competition.He struggled at times with physical matchups during his first year at Boston College, especially against older NCAA players. He’s more of a setup guy than a finisher. The Islanders already have that in Mat Barzal. Do they want to double down on pass-first playmakers, or find someone who can bury 40+ a year? Hagens is a polished prospect, but he's not without some flags that make him less of a slam dunk at No. 1 than Misa.
If I'm calling the shot from Lou’s empty chair, I go with Misa. The Islanders need a superstar in the worst way. A player who sells tickets, dominates on the power play, and reinvigorates a fanbase that's been stuck in purgatory. Hagens would be a sweet story, and Schaefer a safe bet, but Misa is the swing-for-the-fences play. Michael Misa is the guy for the Islanders at No. 1 because he checks the boxes that this franchise has been missing for over a decade. Star power. Explosiveness. Swagger. A true offensive game-changer. The Isles got lucky—now it’s time to make it count.