What Will The Islanders Do With The No. 1 Pick — Keep It Or Fleece The Sharks?

The Islanders have all the leverage.

Since Ken Morrow worked his magic to get the New York Islanders the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the question has been: who will they take?

Unlike the 2026 NHL Draft, where Gavin McKenna is the clear No. 1—the next coming of Connor McDavid, as the scripture reads—this draft doesn’t have a “clear-cut” top prospect.

I’ve been honest from the start about who the Islanders should select: Matthew Schaefer, due to the club’s need for a game-breaking blueliner. But if they take Michael Misa or Long Island native James Hagens, there is no “wrong” pick.

There’s no question Hagens is more valuable to the Islanders than any other franchise.

However, there is a right pick—at least a strategic one—if the Islanders want to play the leverage game.

The San Jose Sharks (No. 2) and Chicago Blackhawks (No. 3) have clear needs: Matthew Schaefer.

There are reports—more common sense than anything—that the Sharks want to trade up to No. 1 to select Schaefer. With so much offensive talent already in Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, Quinton Musty, etc., they need a defenseman.

So, what’s the price for No. 1?