ARLINGTON, Va. -- Matthew Schaefer was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but the rookie defenseman isn't taking a roster spot with the New York Islanders for granted.

"You don't just get stuff given to you, right? You've got to earn it," Schaefer said Wednesday. "You've got to earn your spot. I mean, [I] still have to earn my spot on the team, and that's what I'm going into (training) camp to do. Still a lot of hard work.

“It's going to take time, but I'm ready and I can't wait to just get into camp. So once we get going, get underway, I'll be super excited."

Schaefer was limited to 17 games last season with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League because of a season-ending broken collarbone sustained Dec. 27 while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. He was c

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