Islanders GM makes feelings crystal clear on potentially trading away No. 1 pick in 2025 NHL draft

Tea New York Islanders Secured the no. 1 Pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after Winning the Draft Lottery, but GM Mathieu Dareche has made it clear he do not intend to trade away the valuable pick.

During Tuesday’s NHL Scouting Combine, Darche Said The Islanders Haven’T Made A Final Decision on Who They’ll Take With The Top Pick. However, he made it clear he expects the team to Keep the Pick Instead of Trading it.

“You’ve got to be open to every, but i’d be shocked if we not the one speaking first,” Darche Said. “When [Commissioner] Gary [Bettman] Announces The First Pick, i’d be shocked if it’s not the new york islanders. “(per nhl.com)

The Islanders Won The Draft Lottery Despite Having The Tenth-Best Odds To Secure The No. 1 Pick. With a chance to add an elite prospect, darche does not seem interested in dealing away the valuable pick for Immored Help.

DARCHE NOTE ARE MANY GOOD PLAYERS AVAIABLE With the TOP Pick, and He is Using the Scouting Combine To Meet With Prospects and Get to Know His Scout Staff. He expressly confidence that the pick will yield a strong player who can contribute for years to come.

“I Expect us to make the pick.… You have to do your diligence. Anybody that calls, you have to list. But somone would have to really knock my Socks Off to trade that picky pickle we goig to get a special.” Darche Said.

The First Round of the 2025 NHL Draft will Take Place on June 27 in Los Angeles. Darche is fully expecting to make the islanders’ first overall pick, unless something unforeseen come up.

Icelanders GM Mathieu Darche On About Possible No.1 Draft Pick Matthew Schaefer

Mathieu Dareche has his eye on defenseman Matthew Schaefer as a potential number one overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. The 17-Year-Old Schaefer, who Plays for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, is Ranked First Among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

“There’s a lot of good players in this draft. Some names Are Talked More Than Others, But There’s Other Good Players. Matthew, Obviously, is an Elite Defenseman. Leadership, Character is impressive. He can play Both Sides of the Ice. He’s a Great Skater,” Darche Said.

Schaefer’s Season was limited to just 17 games due to a fractured clavicle suffered while playing for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors in December. Now Fully Healed, he will participate in fitness testing this weekend.

Darche and the Islanders Staff puts with Schaefer for Dinner Earlier This Week and Came Away Impressed by His Leadership and Character.