For the first time since 2022, things won’t be so simple in the moments leading up to the NHL Draft’s No. 1 selection.
There was no screwing up the Connor Bedard Draft for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023. Same goes for the San Jose Sharks with Macklin Celebrini in 2024; GM Mike Grier even pre-announced he was taking Celebrini. But in the hours before the the New York Islanders and new GM Mathieu Darche step to the podium June 27 in Los Angeles, will they hesitate?
Dynamic defenseman Matthew Schaefer sits No. 1 on most Draft boards, including Daily Faceoff’s, but he also hasn’t played since the World Junior Championship in December, and he’s not quite a unanimous No. 1 pick. If the Islanders want more instant…